Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 13 injury report, as they prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints.
After an extended break following their game on Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions (8-3) were back on the practice field on Wednesday as they prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints (5-6) in Week 13.
The Lions’ first practice of the week brought a mix of good and bad news. While the Lions are relatively healthy and were able to return a starter, another was absent and early expectations are that he could miss this weekend’s game.
NOTE: Any changes from last week’s injury report will be bolded.
Injured reserve, Non-Football injury list
- QB Hendon Hooker (ACL): NFI — returns to practice, starts 21-day evaluation clock
- RB Mohamed Ibrahim (hip): Practice squad IR — eligible to return in Week 13
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee): IR — eligible to return at any time
- OT Matt Nelson (ankle): IR — eligible to return at any time
- OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (back): IR — eligible to return in Week 15
- EDGE James Houston (fibula): IR — eligible to return at any time
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral): IR — eligible to return at any time
- LS Scott Daly (knee): IR — eligible to return in Week 14
The Lions have been saying all season that they planned on bringing Hooker into the practice fold as soon as he was ready and that time has finally come. He starts a 21-day evaluation window on Wednesday, and with there being no immediate need for him to be on the active roster—he has full practicing privileges within this window—don’t be surprised if he remains in at this stage for all three weeks. Once his window is completed—or earlier if they desire—the Lions can place Hooker on the active roster and would need to make a corresponding move at that time.
After requiring a trip to a Baltimore hospital to correct a hip dislocation, Ibrahim was placed on the practice squad injured reserve. Now that the appropriate amount of time has passed, Ibrahim is eligible to begin his 21-day practice window, once he is healthy enough to resume activities.
No practice on Wednesday
- LB Alex Anzalone (hand) — NEW INJURY
Anzalone was injured against the Packers on Thanksgiving and was seen getting his hand taped up on the sidelines before returning. Despite finishing the game, the fallout after the fact could cost him some time.
“Alex could be (out) a little bit. That’s possible,” Campbell said on Monday.
Complicating matters a bit further is the fact that Anzalone and his wife are expecting their second child on November 30 , per the Detroit Lions. Anzalone has previously said he planned to attend the birth , regardless of the situation.
Limited practice
- QB Hendon Hooker (ACL) evaluation clock: 21 days remaining
- OL Jonah Jackson (ankle/wrist)
- RB David Montgomery (foot) — NEW INJURY
- S Tracy Walker (shoulder) — NEW INJURY
It’s been a long six weeks for Jackson. After missing three games with an ankle injury, Jackson returned to the starting lineup against the Chargers and promptly injured his wrist, leading to him missing the next two games. Now back on the practice field, the Lions are hoping Jackson is healthy enough once again to return to his role at left guard this week, as his replacements—rookie Colby Sorsdal and Kayode Awosika—have struggled to fill his shoes.
Returning to practice is an encouraging sign for an offensive line that is looking to rebound after one of their most challenging games of the season.
Montgomery did get checked briefly on the sideline during the Packers game but returned shortly thereafter. Starting off the week limited is a good sign he’ll be available this week, but we’ll see how it progresses through the next two practices.
Same situation with Walker. The veteran safety has slowly seen some of his snaps decrease in favor of rookie Brian Branch, but he remains a key part of the secondary. There was no obvious indication Walker was injured during last game, and he was made available in the locker room after Wednesday’s practice—typically a good sign he’s not dealing with a serious injury.
Full practice
- C Frank Ragnow (back/toe)
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand)
Ragnow continues to be listed weekly on the injury report as he manages his toe injury. It’s standard for him to get a veteran rest day at some point this week.
Melifonwu continues to play with a brace on his hand and has been limited to special teams contributions only in the previous two games.
No longer on the injury report
- DT Isaiah Buggs (illness)
Buggs illness appears to be behind him and it seems likely that he missed last week’s game for performance issues, as opposed to injury.
Saints injury report
Here’s a look at the Saints initial injury report (starters bolded):
No Practice
- RB Kendre Miller (ankle)
- WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh)
- EDGE Cam Jordan (ankle)
- LB Pete Werner (shoulder/oblique)
- S Marcus Maye (shoulder)
Limited
- WR Chris Olave (concussion protocol)
- TE Jimmy Graham (vet rest)
- RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee, vet rest)
- C Erik McCoy (shoulder)
- K Blake Grupe (right groin)