The Detroit Lions returned to practice on Thursday, gearing up for their second consecutive playoff rematch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After notable developments from Wednesday’s practice report, Thursday’s updates were highly anticipated.
Here’s a summary of Thursday’s practice report:
Ifeatu Melifonwu appears to have worsened his ankle/Achilles injury over the past week, having missed the last two days of practice. This reinforces head coach Dan Campbell’s earlier concerning comments about the fourth-year safety’s condition.
Safety Kerby Joseph transitioned from not practicing on Wednesday due to a hamstring issue to being a limited participant on Thursday. Defensive tackle DJ Reader (quad), cornerback Carlton Davis (chest), and safety Loren Strickland (thumb) participated fully for the second consecutive day.
Reader is expected to make his Lions debut on Sunday, Davis’s late-game injury was deemed minor, and Strickland is fully participating after missing last week.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams has been limited this week due to an ankle injury. A brief video from Thursday’s practice showed him moving without apparent issues.
Rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams appeared on the injury report for the first time with an abdomen issue.
The Lions are facing a significant injury concern for Week 2. Defensive end Marcus Davenport missed both practices this week due to a groin injury that also kept him from the Lions’ final defensive series against the Rams.
His durability issues were a reason he signed a low-cost one-year deal with the Lions this offseason, making him more replaceable compared to other starters who haven’t practiced this week.
Right tackle Penei Sewell is dealing with an ankle injury. He told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he is “good” and missed Wednesday’s practice as a precaution after rolling his right ankle in the first quarter against the Rams. Sewell continued playing without missing a snap.
Although Sewell could still play against the Buccaneers without practicing all week, it would be reassuring to see him return to the field on Friday, even in a limited capacity.
Otherwise, it may be hard to accept that he missed practice solely for precautionary reasons.
