The Detroit Lions (11-4) will face off Dallas Cowboys (10-5) in Week 17, both looking to put themselves in the best position possible in the postseason.
Since these teams are playing for a short week, their practice schedule has been changed slightly. The Lions had a trial run on Tuesday but returned to the training field on Wednesday. Since Tuesday's participation levels were only estimates, Wednesday's practice report will give a more accurate description of the Lions' current health.
Note: Any changes from yesterday's injury report will be… In bold.
There is no training on Wednesday
- LT Taylor Decker (groin) – Downgraded after rated limited practice on Tuesday
- TE Brock Wright (groin)
The biggest news from Lions camp now involves starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who after being deemed able to be a limited participant on Tuesday — during the team's run — was not at Lions practice on Wednesday.
While his absence may be concerning, it is important to understand the circumstances surrounding this situation. In a short week, it's not uncommon for Lions coaches to give veteran players rest days, especially when they're recovering from injury. Decker also played all of last week's snaps, and it was estimated he was able to practice Tuesday, all of which are encouraging signs.
However, if Decker cannot return to the practice field on Thursday, it is very likely that he will miss Saturday's game. If that's the case, the most likely candidates to replace him are Dan Skipper and rookie Colby Sorsdal. When Decker was injured earlier, Penei Sewell shifted to left tackle, and then Skipper/Sorsdahl filled in at right tackle. But with the Cowboys running back Micah Parsons — who leads the NFL in pressures — lined up at right tackle nearly two-thirds of the time, the Lions may opt to keep Sewell on the right side.
Wright has now missed five straight practices and looks likely headed toward another missed game. On the plus side, the Lions opted not to place him on injured reserve last week, indicating they expect him to be ready to return in Week 18 or the first round of the playoffs.
Estimated limited practice
- FB Jason Kapena (knee) – Evaluation days remaining: 14
- DB CJ Gardner-Johnson (thoracic) – Evaluation days remaining: 14
Cabinda continues to work his way through the evaluation process, and if he is healthy enough to return, he could help pick up some of the slack that would be lost if Wright misses.
Gardner Johnson is also working his way through the evaluation process and it looks like he could be back on the field this weekend. He still has another two weeks in the evaluation process, so there's no rush to bring him back, but his energy will be a welcome addition once he recovers.
Complete practice
- C. Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee)
- RT Penny Sewell (shoulder)
- LB Derek Barnes (shoulder)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
Ragnow has been on the roster all season, yet continues to produce full practices mixed in with the veteran's rest days. This is his second full practice in a row and he appears to be on track to play against the Cowboys.
Sewell continues to cram in full practices after suffering a shoulder injury last week. He's looking to get on track to play and has a big task ahead of him – especially considering Decker's situation.
Barnes has already upgraded from limited practices last week to full practices this week and appears to be back on track to return to the lineup against Dallas. He will likely jump back into the rotation at MIKE with rookie Jack Campbell.
It is estimated that Jacobs returned to full training on Tuesday and Wednesday and he confirmed this. He looks poised to provide the Lions with depth in their secondary and potential rookie-level contributions on special teams.
Cowboy injury report
almost.
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