The Detroit Lions saw several players inch their way closer to the practice field on Tuesday.
While the Detroit Lions entered training camp with nine players on an injury list, we’re already starting to see signs that the list could shrink in the coming days.
Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ injury situation with Day 2 updates both from practice and the press conferences.
(Bolded players are a change in status from Sunday)
Not participating
- G Miles Frazier (PUP)
- LT Taylor Decker (PUP)
- DT Levi Onwuzurike (out for season)
- DT Mekhi Wingo (PUP)
- DT Alim McNeill (PUP)
- EDGE Josh Paschal (NFI)
- EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez (PUP)
- LB Alex Anzalone
- CB Khalil Dorsey (PUP)
- CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver (NFI)
- CB D.J. Reed
- CB Ennis Rakestraw
Several players—including Malcolm Rodriguez—working with trainers
For almost the entirety of practice, three players were working with trainers, signifying notable progress in their rehab: cornerback Khalil Dorsey, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, and—surprisingly—Malcolm Rodriguez. All three were seen moving at a pretty good pace. I don’t want to jump to conclusions with Rodriguez, particularly because Dan Campbell last “conservatively” estimated his return in November, but this certainly suggests he could be ahead of schedule… maybe significantly so.
Later in practice, both Josh Paschal and Stantley Thomas-Oliver also got some work with trainers in, but it was slower paced than that of the previously mentioned trio. On Sunday, Campbell estimated Paschal return could come around Labor Day (Sept. 1).
Lions seriously shorthanded at cornerback
The good news is that Rakestraw did avoid serious injury.
“Should be okay, everything came back negative,” Campbell said. “Certainly, he’s sore. He’ll be out a few days here, just to let him recover. Structurally, everything looks pretty good.”
Unfortunately, it’s unclear what’s going on with starting cornerback D.J. Reed. He was not seen at practice, nor was he seen working on the sideline. At this point, it may or may not be injury related. Something to keep in mind: his wife is pregnant . We’ll know more Tuesday.
With the Lions down four cornerbacks, the Lions had to rely on some of their safeties—mainly, Erick Hallett—to help fill out their room during Monday’s practice. This also afforded more opportunities for recently added Dicaprio Bootle and Tyson Russell.
Injured during practice
- RB Sione Vaki
- DT Roy Lopez
While working on route running with the receivers, Vaki came up a little gimpy during a rep. After a lot of time stretching and working with trainers, they eventually opted to shut him down for practice. He is being evaluated for a leg injury, per the Lions.
During 11-on-11 work, Lopez pulled himself out of the play. Similar to Vaki, a trainer worked on his lower body for several minutes. After about 20-30 minutes of roaming around the sidelines, he, too, eventually left the field. The Lions did not provide an update on Lopez after practice.
Returned to practice
- LB Anthony Pittman
As Pittman told Pride of Detroit on Sunday, he returned to play on Monday, and did not appear limited in any way.