Health news improved throughout the week for many of the Lions. While there are major long-term losses to Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport and a short-term loss to Frank Ragnow, the team is otherwise in pretty good shape.
The Seahawks will be missing multiple impact defenders along with their starting RT. Kenneth Walker returns though after missing one game.
DETROIT LIONS
Brian Branch (LP FP FP- IN) concussion, S
Branch will be available on Monday night. The 2x FP means he has passed through the 5-step concussion protocol without a recurrence of symptoms. Interestingly, the other player concussed in the collision, Trey McBride, was ruled out earlier this week which demonstrates the variability of concussions.
Brian Branch concussion injury video
-Both players (Trey McBride) go low and both appear to try to lead with shoulder. Unfortunately, helmets collide and both suffered concussions. pic.twitter.com/4umy12naDM— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024
Sam LaPorta (NP FP FP- IN) ankle, TE
LaPorta will play vs the Seahawks with a right low ankle sprain. He won’t be 100% for this game but should be close after the bye.
Sam LaPorta R low ankle sprain injury video
-Inversion mechanism
-Returned to game intermittently
-Likely won’t miss any games. Nothing long-term. pic.twitter.com/2j4UgZcZXO— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 26, 2024
Frank Ragnow (NP NP NP- OUT) pectoral, C
Ragnow strained his left pec and is out for this game, but has a chance to be back after the bye. If he is not placed on IR by Monday, then that suggests a short-term injury of less than four weeks. Dan Campbell’s statements on Saturday suggest that Ragnow will not be going on IR.
Frank Ragnow L pec strain injury video
-1st quarter, missed no plays
-Partial tear (grade 1/2). Early reports suggest non-surgical, short-term injury.
-Could be back as soon as week 6 vs Cowboys pic.twitter.com/0a9d6Cy0FC— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024
Dan Skipper (NP FP FP- IN) ribs, OT
Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain. There is a chance of a rib fracture but the 2x FP rules out a complex fracture or lung injury.
Dan Skipper R torso injury video
-Hurt at start of game, battled through to finish
-Every time went to bench, clearly labored and had it wrapped
-Contusion vs muscle/rib strain pic.twitter.com/LWc0zcI3Pl— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024
Ennis Rakestraw (LP LP FP- Questionable) hamstring, CB
After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR last week meant that this was likely a short-term issue. With the other CB’s healthy, he might still be inactive as a precaution even though the FP means he could play.
Alim McNeill (LP FP FP- IN) shoulder, DT
McNeill fortunately escaped significant injury despite missing the 2nd half of last game. Based on video, he might have had a mild left AC joint sprain.
Alim McNeill shoulder injury video
-Unclear which shoulder is hurt. Guessing right side during the swim move.
-Missed entire 2nd half but good news is Dan Campbell called it day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/tXJscQZhMf— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 26, 2024
Levi Onwuzurike (LP FP FP- IN) knee, DL
No video of this suspected right knee injury, but it’s apparently minor and won’t keep him out on Monday.
Alex Anzalone (FP FP FP- IN) concussion, LB
Anzalone had a concussion two weeks ago, missed one game, but is ready to roll now.
Alex Anzalone concussion video. Brutal helmet shot into right jaw. pic.twitter.com/exl3YHsQjf
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 15, 2024
Hogan Hatten (UL UL FP – IN) shoulder, LS
This new addition to the report on Saturday is no concern with the FP.
PLACED ON IR THIS WEEK
Derrick Barnes right knee
The video isn’t clear but it looked like a lateral side impact which can cause an MCL sprain and possibly more. The official diagnosis and severity are still unknown, but it sounds like he has a chance to return later this year.
Derrick Barnes R knee injury video
-Direct impact to knee, fortunately foot not planted
-Looks like lateral side hit which could cause MCL sprain.
-Placed on IR. If non-severe MCL, could be back in 4-6wks. pic.twitter.com/WKYGHwaKbM— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024
Marcus Davenport left elbow
The official diagnosis is unclear, but video shows a possible elbow flexor injury to the biceps or brachialis. If that’s indeed the case, it’s likely a full rupture given that he is reportedly out for the year.
Marcus Davenport L elbow injury video
-Forearm chopped down while elbow in flexion. Possible elbow flexor tear (biceps or brachialis).
-Returned with brace but after game placed on IR. Reportedly it’s a season-ender pic.twitter.com/JGWIyTLzHN— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024
Ifeatu Melifonwu ankle
Hurt since the 2nd preseason game, Melifonwu was finally placed on IR which puts him out for another four games.
OTHER NOTES
Dan Campbell stated on Saturday that Christian Mahogany (mononucleosis, NFI) and Brodric Martin (right knee hyperextension, IR) are close to returning to practice with Mahogany being closer.
Brodric Martin R knee injury video
-Obscured vid but can see him take a hard step onto R leg which can cause hyperextension and bone bruise
-Dan Campbell confirmed hyperextension
-Likely mild. Fair chance to be ready for game 1 but could miss 1-2 games pic.twitter.com/SRPX4WheNE— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) August 25, 2024
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Leonard Williams (NP NP NP- OUT) ribs, DE
Williams is one of the Seahawks star defenders having signed a three-year, $64.5 million contract in the offseason.
Boye Mafe (NP NP NP- OUT ) knee, LB
This key pass rusher for the Seahawks has had a sack in each game this year.
Byron Murphy (NP NP NP- OUT) hamstring, DT
Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year.
Uchenna Nwosu (NP NP LP – OUT) knee, LB
This impact LB for the Seahawks sprained his MCL in preseason on August 24 and has yet to play in the regular season.
Kenneth Walker (LP LP FP – IN ) oblique, RB
MSU and U of M fans are acutely aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is back for Monday night.
NOTABLES PLACED ON IR
George Fant RT
Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. He was filling in for original starter Abe Lucas (PUP). This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.
The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is below. Most had FP’s and are IN.
