Monday injury report medical analysis

On By Littum

The Lions have an unusual work week with two Thursday games in a row. This means that yesterday (Sunday) corresponds to a typical Wednesday, and today (Monday) is like a Thursday. An NP (no practice) today could be seen as a typical NP on a Thursday, which means leaning out.

My biggest concerns coming out of last game were Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal and Malcom Rodriguez, and all appeared on today’s report except Rodriguez, who was put on IR with a torn ACL. Here is my postgame report with injury videos of the four players.

There was a surprise after the game when Mekhi Wingo was placed on IR with a suspected right knee injury. Dan Campbell announced that he is out for the season. We don’t have a diagnosis yet, but here’s the video where Wingo may have been injured:

DETROIT LIONS

Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP)

Dan Campbell stated on Sunday that he is “day-to-day … whether he can go this week is going to be up for grabs.” The video suggested a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain in the Colts game eight days ago. Last year, Decker missed two games with a similar sprained ankle. He is officially listed with only one knee, suggesting that the knee is the more concerning issue.

Alim McNeill missed four games last year with an MCL that he played through during the game. I expect Decker to be out for at least another game in a row. If he can return next week it would be a good result.

DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)

The reader landed hard on a stretched left shoulder last game, which was worried about a subluxation. He stayed in the game but was clearly bothered. A subluxation can be a long-term problem, so hopefully it’s just a mild shoulder sprain. There is no word yet on his diagnosis.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP)

Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He is likely to be out this week due to the hamstring’s tendency to worsen.

Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP)

Paschal took an awkward step and hurt his right knee on Thanksgiving. While the diagnosis is unknown, early signs are that the injury is not serious. It looks like he’s out this week though.

Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP)

Davis had a non-contact injury in his left knee area eight days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I suspect a mild muscle/tendon strain in his back knee. The LP is a very good sign that the injury is minor and he could be ready for Thursday.

Dan Campbell stated on Saturday: “He is day to day, questionable”

Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP)

Now we have the answer to the mysterious pregame issue that caused Moseley to miss Thanksgiving. Good news the hamstring is very minor and FP means he is on track to play against the Packers.

PLAYERS ON IR

Coming back soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him at the end of the regular season.
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him toward the end of the regular season.

Uncertain return:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return this week.
  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – eligible to return Dec. 22.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – eligible to return Dec. 22.

Late playoff at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expect very limited action in Super Bowl.
  • John Cominsky, MCL – Expected to return by January at the earliest.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Is unlikely to return.

Not expected to return:

  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  • Kyle Peko, left pec
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jaire Alexander CB, knee (LP)

This starting CB has missed 2 games with the PCL injury that has persisted for several weeks. Although he could probably use more time off, he might play against the Lions.

Romeo Doubs WR, concussion (LP)

Doubs missed the last game with a concussion. It looks like he is going through the protocol well and wants to play. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year, which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.

Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP)

This 2nd round rookie has missed the last two games with his hamstring and it looks like he will miss another. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.

Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP)

Ballentine is primarily a special teams player.

Elgton Jenkins OG, knee (NP)

Jenkins is a starting OG and has played in every game this year.

Here’s the full Packers report: