Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell updated the media on current roster injuries ahead of Week 18.
As is customary on Mondays, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell updated the media on a few of the current roster injuries, including predicting the futures of two players currently on injured reserve.
Let's take a look at the notable names discussed.
C. J. Gardner Johnson
Gardner-Johnson remains on injured reserve but has been undergoing injury evaluation for two weeks and a decision on his future status is looming. The Lions have just over a week to decide if he is healthy enough to return to the active roster or if he will have to remain on injured reserve, thus ending his season.
When asked if Gardner-Johnson would return for this weekend's game, Campbell indicated that was the team's desire:
“We'd love to. I'd love to get CJ involved,” Campbell said.
Gardner Johnson He continues to insist on social media He is close to returning and it would make a lot of sense to find a way to get him on the field before the end of the regular season so he can get acclimated before the playoffs.
Alim MacNeil
While answering a question about Gardner-Johnson, Campbell inadvertently mentioned McNeal as another player who could be in play this weekend.
“I would love to get Mac (Aleem McNeil) involved,” Campbell added. “It's Monday, but that's what I have in mind temporarily,” he later noted.
McNeil has been on injured reserve for the past four weeks, and although he is eligible for the injury evaluation window to open this week, he has yet to step onto the practice field in a month, so there are still a few unknowns. However, based on McNeil's trends over the past few weeks, Campbell remains optimistic that McNeil will be ready for this weekend's game.
“I think there's a chance (McNeil plays), yes I do,” Campbell repeated.
Jameson Williams
Williams injured his ankle against the Cowboys on a 63-yard reception in the second half and was unable to return to the game. Williams appeared to be in good spirits on the sideline – but that is normal – and Campbell noted that his injury is not considered long-term.
“He's in good shape,” Campbell said of Williams. “I mean he's got an ankle injury, but it's going to be day to day for now. But nothing major.”
With this weekend's game against the Vikings likely not impacting their playoff seeding, the Lions may opt to take it slow with Williams to ensure he is ready for the postseason. At the same time, Campbell also said the Lions plan to play as a starter, so don't rule out Williams just yet.
Sam LaPorta
Laporta was seen limping at the end of the match in Dallas, but Campbell indicated that it was not a problem.
“It's good,” Campbell confirmed to the media.
Jason Cabinda
Yes, Cabinda was technically released from the Lions roster after being activated from injured reserve over the weekend, but the move appears to be only temporary. While discussing Gardner-Johnson and McNeil, Campbell also announced that he was hoping to field Cabinda in this weekend's match.
When asked to clarify whether he expected to re-sign with Cabinda, Campbell replied:
“hope.”
If the Lions plan to bring back Cabinda, Gardner-Johnson and McNeil this week, that means we could see a lot of roster movement. Add to that the fact that James Houston is also in the injury evaluation window, and the Lions may need to make up to four roster transactions before Sunday's game.
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