The Detroit Lions have been plagued by the injury bug recently, but things appear to be improving. According to coach Dan Campbell, the squad expects to see the majority of its injured players return before the regular season begins.
“As of right now, I think there’s a good chance we’re going to have most of our guys ready for Week 1.”
The secondary has been one of the most affected by the injury bug, but Campbell did say that he expected most of the recently injured defensive backs to return shortly, including many this week.
“Ennis (Rakestraw) will be back out there today (Tuesday),” Campbell informed us. “Carlton Davis will be limited today, Amik (Robertson) will be limited today, and Terion Arnold will not return today. I believe we may get him in the middle of the week, next week, for a practice before the guys leave for their break. But he is on the correct track, so I’m not concerned.”
Several additional injured Lions players are slated to return next week, following the third preseason game.
“We’re hoping the day after the Pittsburgh game (which will be played on Saturday)—I think we’re going to get a lot of guys back,” Campbell explained. “We’re looking for Skip (Dan Skipper), Kevin Zeitler, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Rodrigo (Malcolm Rodriguez), and I suppose we might start DJ Reader as well. Begin working with him individually. So we’re hoping to have a large group of men return on Sunday.”
Reader is still on PUP, and despite a slight rehab setback in June, it appears that he is on the verge of getting removed from the injury list. If he and the others adhere to Campbell’s pace, they will have a full week of practice before beginning the regular season schedule as they prepare to visit the Los Angeles Rams on “Sunday Night Football” on September 8.
Here’s a quick update on the Lions’ injured players:
RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) is anticipated to return to practice next week.
“We plan to get Gibbs going next week,” Campbell added. “He is heading in the correct direction […] We wish we had more experience with him, but as far as his health is concerned, he is recuperating and is on track to return, allowing him to regain his footing.”
RB Jermar Jefferson (undisclosed): No updates.
WR Tre’Quan Smith (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve.
TE Sam LaPorta (hamstring) is anticipated to return to practice next week.
OL Kevin Zeitler (shoulder) is slated to return to practice next week.
OL Dan Skipper (ankle) is expected to return to practice next week.
DL DJ Reader (hip, PUP) is anticipated to return to practice next week.
EDGE James Houston (knee): No updates
LB Malcolm Rodriguez (undisclosed) is anticipated to return to practice next week.
LB Malik Jefferson (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve.
CB Carlton Davis (hamstring): Practicing but limited.
CB Terrion Arnold (pec) is scheduled to return to practice midweek next week.
CB Ennis Rakestraw (ankle) is slated to return to practice Tuesday.
CB Amik Robertson (undisclosed): Practicing but limited
DB: Brian Branch (undisclosed): No Update
OL Christian Mahogany (sickness) remains on NFI, although Campbell has updated his status:
“He is with us (at Allen Park). He’s been down there with (director of sports performance) Mike Clark, (head strength and conditioning coach) Josh Schuler, and the others, just trying to get his feet back under him. Conditioning, strength level, and he’s on the right track. I cannot tell you a timetable, but he is doing well. “It’s great to have him here.”
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