Penei Sewell has been upgraded, while Jerry Jacobs remains out of the Lions’ Week 16 injury report.
Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 16 injury report as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.
The Detroit Lions (10-4) and Minnesota Vikings (7-7) were back on the practice field on Thursday as they prepare to face off this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Lions have been fortunate with their injuries this late in the season, and while they have several players listed on this week’s report, their starters all appear to be in good shape.
NOTE: Any changes from yesterday’s injury report will be bolded.
No practice on Thursday
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest) — Vet rest day
Wright and Jacobs were both unable to practice on Thursday, and their availability for this Sunday is likely to be jeopardized due to soft tissue issues. If Wright is unable to travel, James Mitchell will be promoted to TE2. If Jacobs is unable to play, the Lions may activate a previously inactive corner like Chase Lucas or Steven Gilmore.
Ragnow is enjoying a well-deserved day of rest.
Limited practice
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 20
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 20
Barnes was limited again on Thursday, but two practices—even if they were limited—show that he is in good shape. Even if he only puts in a limited session on Friday, he might still play on Sunday.
Cabinda and Gardner-Johnson are still going through the injury evaluation process. Both players are still eligible to return to the roster at any point, and one or both of them could appear this weekend.
Full practice
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder) — upgraded
- DT Levi Onwuzurike (knee) — upgraded
Sewell was promoted to full practice, ensuring that he will be available to play against the Vikings. Furthermore, if we read between the lines, the Lions recently released Michael Schofield from the practice squad, leaving them with only three offensive tackles on the 53-man roster (Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Dan Skipper—who has recently played more guard than tackle) and a rookie (Connor Galvin) on the practice squad. If the Lions were worried about Sewell’s availability, they would not have cut their veteran depth piece at tackle.
Onwuzurike appears to be on track to play as well, but given his injury history, they may be extra cautious with him this week.
Vikings injury report
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ Thursday injury report (starters bolded):
Did not practice
- RB Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- WR Jalen Nailor (concussion)
- RT Brian O’Neill (ankle)
- DT Harrison Phillips (back)
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring)
Limited
- DL Jonathan Bullard (ankle)
- DT Sheldon Day (ankle)
- EDGE Danielle Hunter (illness) — Upgraded from no practice Wednesday
Full
- LB Jordan Hicks (shin – IR)
