Thursday’s practice session at the Detroit Lions training facility was a little more optimistic on the health front than Wednesday’s on the injury front. Then again, after 15 players were listed in the first practice session in advance of Week 5, that’s not a high bar to clear.
Four key players returned to the practice lineup after sitting out on Wednesday. Center Frank Ragnow, reserve OL Evan Brown, TE T.J. Hockenson, and WRs DJ Chark and Josh Reynolds were back on the field. That’s good news for the offense, which is still missing top WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and starting RB D’Andre Swift. Neither has practiced this week and it’s not optimistic either will be in the lineup in New England on Sunday.
There are still several players out, and that includes a downgrade of swing tackle Matt Nelson, who was limited on Wednesday but did not practice on Thursday. LB Chris Board and WR Quintez Cephus are among those who suffered injuries in Sunday’s Week 4 loss to Seattle who remain sidelined.
The official report from the Lions. Game statuses will be set on Friday.
