There’s a Penei Sewell injury update, and it’s good news.
Here’s the good news you’ve been hoping for after a scare at Detroit Lions training camp on Wednesday. Lions All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is reportedly “good,” according to reporter Justin Rogers via a team source after suffering an injury during practice . Sewell left Wednesday’s scrimmage walking gingerly off the field with what the team officially called a foot injury.
It’s unclear exactly what “good” means, but at the very least, it appears he avoided a long-term injury. Whether that means he’ll be ready for Week 1—still two-and-a-half weeks away—remains to be seen. With no media availability expected from the Lions until after their preseason game against the Steelers on Saturday, don’t expect an official team update until then.
UPDATE: Per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Sewell’s injury is a “rolled ankle” and there are “no issues” after receiving an MRI.
UPDATE 2: Per Jordan Schultz, it’s a “minor ankle injury,” and the team doesn’t believe it’s serious.
Obviously, losing Sewell for any amount of time would be tough for the Lions. Not only is he arguably the best offensive tackle in football and inarguably an All Pro, but Detroit’s offensive tackle depth is concerning, at best. Primary reserve Dan Skipper is dealing with an ankle injury of his own (although he’s expected to return to practice next week), and second-year tackle Colby Sorsdal has had an up-and-down training camp after a move back to the outside this offseason.
Thankfully, it appears Detroit doesn’t have to worry too much about that depth right now. Sewell being healthy would be a huge win for the Lions—and it potentially keeps Sewell’s Iron Man streak (didn’t miss a single snap for the past two seasons) alive.
Let’s hope for more clarification and continued good news about Sewell and running back Craig Reynolds, who suffered a lower-body injury on Wednesday, as well.