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Lions vs 49ers: Initial injury report medical analysis and IR-list update

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For the Detroit Lions, there were no major surprises on the initial report which is welcome news. This week, the team is expecting to be gaining health with the return of Graham Glasgow as well as the imminent returns of Kalif Raymond and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

The only team more injury-ridden than the Lions this year might be the San Francisco 49ers, who were the NFC-favorites prior to the start of the season. A brutal run of injuries has led them to a 6-9 record:

  • 1st-round rookie WR Ricky Pearsall took a gunshot wound to the chest and missed six games.
  • Christian McCaffrey RB missed much of the year with bilateral Achilles tendonitis and is now on IR with a PCL. He only appeared in four games.
  • Trent Williams LT played 10 games before an ankle ended his season.
  • Brandon Aiyuk WR tore his ACL in week seven.
  • Brock Purdy QB missed one game with a shoulder.
  • Dre Greenlaw LB tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl. He returned for two games but is now shut down for the year.
  • Fred Warner LB has been playing through a fractured ankle bone since week four.
  • Jordan Mason RB is on IR with a high ankle sprain.

DETROIT LIONS

Kalif Raymond WR, foot (FP)

Raymond started his 21-day practice window today which is immediately after his 4-week IR stint. This means he could be ready to play right now from a medical standpoint.

However, Dan Campbell today stated “I don’t feel as confident with [Raymond] as [Reeves-Maybin]… but it’s good to get him back running around.” Thus, hope to see Raymond in the final regular season game vs the Vikings or the first game of the playoffs.

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Terrion Arnold CB, illness (NP)

Arnold played 98% of snaps last game vs the Bears with no issue. Presumably, an illness started after the game. Cold and flu season has hit America so that could be the cause.

NFL players are often able to recover from routine illnesses within 2-3 days so hope for an upgrade in his status over the course of the week.

Graham Glasgow OG, knee (FP)

Glasgow missed last game with the knee injury but is on track to return to the starting lineup vs the 49ers. The starting offensive line will again be intact.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB, neck (FP)

JRM was hurt November 3, placed on IR, and started his 21-day practice window on December 19. The injury was initially reported by the Lions as a shoulder but ended up being a neck.

Currently, at only day 7 of his 21 day practice window, don’t expect him to be available vs the 49ers which will be on day 11. Expect him either the final regular season game vs the Vikings (day 17) or the playoffs.

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David Montgomery RB, knee (NP)

Montgomery’s knee injury is an MCL sprain and possibly more. The hope is he will be back by the 2nd round of the playoffs which is in 3.5 weeks. He is not on IR thus can practice and play at any time.

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IR LIST STATUS UPDATE

Returning soon

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture 11/17 – The forearm was expected to take 6-8 weeks, and the 49ers game is the 6-week mark. The playoffs start at the 8-week mark which is only 16 days away. Anzalone’s 21-day practice window has yet to open which raises eyebrows. Forearm fractures heal reliably so a setback is unlikely but not impossible.

Early playoffs at best

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring 11/23 – Was eligible to return last week vs the Bears, but his 21-day practice window is still not open. This implies he is at least three weeks away.

Late playoffs is possible

  • Carlton Davis, jaw fracture 12/15 – Initial estimated recovery of six weeks would put him at the NFC championship game, but Dan Campbell stated last week: “It doesn’t look optimistic to get him back”. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture 10/13 – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl. Currently at 10.5 weeks post-injury, the bone is likely healed at this point. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes. In 3rd year of 4-year rookie contract with 5th-year option. Expect an extension this coming offseason.

Not expected to return

  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – On December 18, Dan Campbell stated he was unlikely to return this season. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Alim McNeill, right ACL – Expect his return around October-November of 2025. Signed an extension this past offseason through the 2028 season.
  • Khalil Dorsey, right ankle/leg fracture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL – Expect his return around October 2025. Next season will be the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Kyle Peko, left pec – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee – In 1st year of four-year rookie contract.

IR return count (6 of 10 used)

  • Lions have used 6 of 10 returns with Kalif Raymond, Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Ifeatu Melifonwu twice.
  • At this point, the last 4 will likely go to Anzalone, Rakestraw, Davis, and Hutchinson.
  • The Lions can use all 4 remaining returns in the playoffs if they choose.
  • During the regular season, the Lions can only use a max of 8 returns but that’s not an issue as Davis and Hutchinson won’t be ready until late playoffs.

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Spencer Burford LT, calf (NP)

Burford was hurt while filling in at LT last week for Trent Williams.

Dre Greenlaw LB, calf (NP)

Kyle Shanahan stated today that Greenlaw will be out for the year.

Aaron Banks OG, knee (NP)

On video, Banks appeared to sprain his MCL last week. That makes it unlikely he’ll play.

Robert Beal DE, ankle (NP)

Beal is a part-time defender who also missed last week.

Ji’Ayir Brown S, ankle (LP)

Brown is a starting safety who has played every game this year.

Isaac Guerendo RB, foot/hamstring (LP)

With the injuries to McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, Guerendo has been called on in recent weeks. He’s 2nd on the team in rushing yards with 381 behind Mason.

Here is the full 49ers report: