Good news on the injury front for Penei Sewell and Craig Reynolds. The news isn’t as clear for Ifeatu Melifonwu or Brodric Martin.
After his team’s preseason finale, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed the good news from earlier this week: offensive tackle Penei Sewell—along with running back Craig Reynolds—avoided a major injury during practice and will be fine moving forward.
“Sewell and Craig will be good,” Campbell said.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the news is as good for safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. It’s unclear when the fourth-year safety suffered his injury, but he missed both practices this week and did not play in Saturday’s preseason game. Campbell said the timeline for his injury is not clear, but it shouldn’t necessarily be long term.
“Not sure. He’s been out for a little while. Nothing that we feel like is long-term, yet it’s continuing to take a little while. So I’m not too sure on that one. I don’t know when we’ll have him back or if he’ll be back what that timeline is.”
Additionally, second-year defensive tackle Brodric Martin suffered an injury during the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers . Campbell called the injury a “hyperextension,” and couldn’t give a timeline on his recovery.
“I don’t think it’s anything long-term, but enough to be sore for a little bit here,” Campbell said.
The injuries to Melfionwu and Martin could alter how the Lions make their roster cuts, which are due on Tuesday, August 27 at 4 p.m. ET. If Melifonwu misses time, the Lions will need someone to step up as the primary safety backup behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. That could open up an opportunity for the likes of Brandon Joseph, Loren Strickland, or C.J. Moore.
As for Martin, the Lions have Kyle Peko and—potentially—DJ Reader at the nose tackle position. Reader remains on the physically unable to perform list, but Campbell noted they may try to get him on the practice field next week.