The Detroit Lions’ secondary is facing challenges ahead of their Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals, as several key players missed practice.
Rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw both sat out the first two practices of the week. Although Arnold returned on Friday, Rakestraw has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Arnold is listed as questionable, along with linebacker Alex Anzalone, who also returned to practice after suffering a concussion in the game against Tampa Bay. Anzalone plays a crucial role in defensive communication as the defensive play-caller. Linebackers Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez will also help with communication.
“Some of it is about who will play the most or in the most packages,” Campbell noted. “The player with the best communication will definitely factor into that. We’re confident that all of them will play—Jack, Derrick, Malcolm, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Ben Niemann will all see action.”
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu will miss his third consecutive game due to an ankle injury and has yet to make his season debut. However, Campbell doesn’t anticipate placing him on injured reserve. “Brad and I have discussed it. He’s making progress,” Campbell said. “I wouldn’t say he’ll go on IR right now, but that could change depending on the rest of the roster. He is getting better.”
Lions Week 3 Injury Report:
– Ifeatu Melifonwu — OUT (Ankle)
– Ennis Rakestraw — OUT (Hamstring)
– Terrion Arnold — Questionable (Illness)
– Alex Anzalone — Questionable (Concussion)
– Isaiah Williams — Questionable (Abdomen)
– Graham Glasgow — Questionable (Knee)
