Assessing the injury report for the Detroit Lions on Wednesday in anticipation of their NFC Conference Championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Detroit Lions will play the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Lions have advanced to the NFC Championship round of the 2023–24 NFL playoffs.
In an effort to keep players fresh, Detroit just conducted a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, continuing a trend that was started last week. Because of this, every participation level in this report is an estimate based on the best projections of Lions coaches, assuming a full session. In light of this, let’s examine the situation at the start of the practice week.
NOTE: Any changes from last week’s injury report will be bolded.
No practice
- WR Kalif Raymond (knee) — injured in Week 18, missed both playoff games
- TE Sam LaPorta (knee)
- C Frank Ragnow (ankle/toe/back/knee)
- LG Jonah Jackson (knee) — NEW INJURY, expected to miss game
Even though Raymond has supposedly been improving daily, it is still anticipated that he was unavailable for Wednesday’s practice. This is concerning, but once the Lions return to the field, anything can happen quickly.
LaPorta, who had been playing through a knee injury for the previous two games, looked notably more at ease last Sunday against the Bucs than he had been against the Rams the week before. It is anticipated that the Lions would tread cautiously with him during practice this week in order to have him ready for Sunday.
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, Ragnow stated that, overall, he is feeling better than he had anticipated after suffering additional injuries to his ankle and knee during the Divisional round of the playoffs.
To be honest, I feel really fine,” Ragnow remarked. Better than anticipated. Certainly stiff, but feeling rather decent after rehabilitation.
Jackson hurt his knee during the Lions game against the Bucs and needed surgery, so it is not believed that he will be ready this weekend. Jackson could be able to make a comeback in time for the Super Bowl because his operation was not too serious.
Limited practice
- WR Josh Reynolds (ribs)
- LB Alex Anzalone (shoulder/ribs
After suffering a rib injury against the Bucs, Reynolds left the game to get a check, came back, and played a part in the fourth quarter. As is customary for players who sustained injuries in the previous game, he will begin the week with light duty.
Anzalone is expected to have some early week recuperation in order to be able to play this weekend after playing despite his injuries from last week, which included fractured ribs and a shoulder, according to the Free Press.
Full practice
- EDGE James Houston (ankle)
Houston did not participate in the game last weekend despite returning from injured reserve last week. Maybe he goes back to the field at Santa Clara, given another week to get used to the conditions. A practice that is almost full is encouraging.
No longer on the injury report
- DB Brian Branch (knee)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee)
49ers injury report
Did not practice
- WR Deebe Samuel (shoulder)
- LT Trent Williams (rest)
- EDGE Nick Bosa (rest)
Full practice
- DL Arik Armstead (foot/knee)
- LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
- CB Ambry Thomas (hand)
- DB George Odum (biceps)
#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan tells reporters that WR Deebo Samuel won't practice today, but, "He feels better." Still TBD on his status for Sunday, though.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2024
