Detroit Lions
| Player | Position | Injury | Tuesday* | Wednesday | Thursday | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Decker | T | groin | LP | NP | ||
| Brock Wright | TE | hip | NP | NP | ||
| Jason Cabinda** | FB | knee | LP | LP | ||
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson** | DB | pectoral | LP | LP | ||
| Derrick Barnes | LB | shoulder | FP | FP | ||
| Jerry Jacobs | CB | hamstring | FP | FP | ||
| Frank Ragnow | C | knee/back/toe | FP | FP | ||
| Penei Sewell | T | shoulder | FP | FP |
*On Tuesday, the Lions held a walkthrough. The practice participation classifications for that day are estimates.
**went back to practice. Reserve/Injured status is now in effect.
In Week 17, the Detroit Lions (11-4) face the Dallas Cowboys (10-5), both wanting to put themselves in the best possible position for the postseason.
Because these teams play on a short week, their practice plan has been modified slightly. The Lions held a walkthrough on Tuesday but returned to practice on Wednesday. Because Tuesday’s participation figures were only estimations, Wednesday’s practice report will provide a more realistic picture of the Lions’ current state.
No practice on Wednesday
- LT Taylor Decker (groin) — downgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- TE Brock Wright (groin)
The biggest story coming out of Lions camp right now is starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who was expected to be a limited participant during the team’s walkthrough on Tuesday but did not attend Lions practice on Wednesday.
While his absence may be cause for alarm, it is critical to understand the circumstances behind this situation. It’s not uncommon for Lions coaches to give veteran players rest days during a short week, especially if they’re nursing an ailment. Decker also played every snap last week and was expected to be able to practice on Tuesday—all of which are promising indications.
However, if Decker is unable to return to the practice field on Thursday, he would almost certainly miss Saturday’s game. If that’s the case, Dan Skipper and rookie Colby Sorsdal are the most likely replacements. When Decker was injured, Penei Sewell moved to left tackle, while Skipper/Sorsdal filled in at right tackle. However, with Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons, who leads the NFL in pressures, lining up over the right tackle almost two-thirds of the time, the Lions may decide to retain Sewell there.
Wright has now missed five sessions in a row and appears to be on track to miss another game. On the plus side, the Lions did not place him on injured reserve last week, indicating that they expect him to be ready to play in Week 18 or the first round of the playoffs.
Estimated limited practice
- FB Jason Cabina (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 14
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 14
Cabinda is still being evaluated, and if he is fit enough to return, it’s feasible he can help make up some of the slack left by Wright’s absence.
Gardner-Johnson is also going through the evaluation process, and it appears that he could return to the field this weekend. He has two weeks left in the examination process, so there is no urgency to bring him back, but his vitality would be a nice addition once he is well.
Full practice
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee)
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
Ragnow has been on the roster for the entire season and has continued to put in full sessions mixed in with veteran rest days. This is his second full practice in a straight, and he looks like he’ll play against the Cowboys.
Following a shoulder injury last week, Sewell has continued to stack complete practices. He appears to be on track to play and has a daunting job, especially given the Decker situation.
Barnes has progressed from limited workouts last week to full practices this week, and he appears to be on schedule to play against Dallas. He’ll most likely rejoin the MIKE rotation alongside newcomer Jack Campbell.
Jacobs was expected to resume full practice on Tuesday, and that was confirmed on Wednesday. He appears to be ready to provide depth in the Lions’ secondary as well as possible starter-level performances on special teams.
Cowboys injury report
Did not participate
- RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) — downgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- LT Tyron Smith (back)
- G Zack Martin (veteran rest)
- NT Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle)
Limited due to injury
- OT Chuma Edoga (toe) — was not listed with an injury on Tuesday
Full participant
- FB Hunter Luepke (thigh) — upgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- OT Matt Waletzko (shoulder) — activated from IR on Wednesday
- DE Viliami Fehoko (knee, IR designated for return)
- S Malik Hooker (ankle) — upgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
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