The Detroit Lions returned to the field on Thursday as they continue to prepare for their Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions had a few more players on the injury report today, but the additions aren’t much of a concern, and this time they have their starters back in full practice.
Let’s take a look at what else has changed on the Lions’ injury report.
Note: Changes from yesterday’s injury report are in bold.
No Practice C Frank Ragnow (Toe/Back/Knee) – Veteran Rest Day RG Graham Glasgow (Rest) – Veteran Rest Day WR Jameson Williams (Ankle/Illness) TE Brock Wright (Groin) ) DT Benito Jones (illness) – Added to Thursday’s report As noted in yesterday’s report, Ragnow was expected to miss practice as part of his ongoing injury maintenance all season.
Expect him to return to practice on Friday and be able to play on Sunday.
It was also Veterans’ Rest Day in Glasgow.
Williams’ predictions are not so optimistic.
The Lions are expected to give him rest and prepare for the postseason as he is dealing with his ankle injury and the playoffs are around the corner.
He is also battling an illness, which makes things even more complicated.
The lighting situation is even less ideal.
Having missed Thursday, he has now missed eight consecutive training sessions and two matches.
There’s still a chance he can return for the playoffs, but he needs to start training right away.
Jones revealed he has an illness on the injury report on Thursday, but as we’ve seen in recent weeks, it could be a minor illness that doesn’t limit play, or It could also be a more serious illness.
We’ll have until Friday to see if he’s available to find out more.
Estimated Limited Practice Time TE Sam LaPorta (Ankle) DT Alm McNeil (IR, Knee) – Days Remaining in Evaluation: 19 EDGE James Houston (IR, Ankle) – Days Remaining in Evaluation: 14 Coach Dan Campbell Won’t be concerned Laporta’s ankle injury isn’t too much of a concern, but the rookie continues to train and is likely to be available on Sunday.
Don’t expect the Lions to put too much pressure on him.
McNeil will return to the active roster this weekend and is scheduled to play on Sunday.
The Lions have had to get creative to find ways to supplement their central defensive presence, and McNeil’s return should give them even more options.
Campbell previously said he doesn’t expect Houston to be available this week, but he’s leaning toward returning at some point in the near future and hopes to be available for the first round of the playoffs.
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Full Practice LT Taylor Decker (groin) – Upgraded as he did not practice Wednesday DB C.J.
Gardner-Johnson (IR, chest) – Evaluation Days Remaining: 6 CB Cameron Sutton (Toe) Decker is He was absent on Wednesday, but returned on Thursday and completed full practice.
He played through last week’s injury without too much trouble, and the Lions are expected to take it slow to get ready for the playoffs, which is a very positive sign.
Gardner-Johnson is not only expected to return this week, but is also expected to get playing time along with fellow safeties Kirby Joseph and Ifeetu Melifonwu.
Look for Gardner-Johnson to be added to the 53-man roster for this weekend’s game.
Sutton injured his toe last weekend, but managed to play last Saturday and has been training intensively since then, so there’s a good chance he’ll play this weekend.
Vikings Injury Report No Practice WR Jalen Naylor (Concussion) LT Christian Darrisaw (Illness) – Added to Thursday’s Report RT Brian O’Neal (Ankle) DL Jaclyn Roy (Ankle) C.B.
