Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 17 Wednesday injury report, as they prepare to take on the Dallas Cowboys.
The Detroit Lions (11-4) are taking on the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) in Week 17, both looking to position themselves in the best possible situation in the postseason.
Since these teams play on a short week, their practice schedule has been altered a bit. The Lions held a walkthrough on Tuesday but were back on the practice field on Wednesday. Because Tuesday’s participation levels were just estimates, Wednesday’s practice report will give a more accurate depiction of the Lions’ current health.
NOTE: Any changes from yesterday’s injury report will be bolded.
No practice on Wednesday
- LT Taylor Decker (groin) — downgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- TE Brock Wright (groin)
The biggest news out of Lions camp right now involves starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who after being estimated to have been able to be a limited participant on Tuesday—during the team’s walkthrough—was not at Lions practice on Wednesday.
While his absence is potentially concerning, it’s important to understand the circumstances surrounding this situation. On a short week, it’s not uncommon for Lions coaches to give veteran players rest days, especially when they are nursing an injury. Decker also played every snap last week, and was estimated to have been able to practice on Tuesday—all encouraging signs.
That being said, if Decker is not able to return to the practice field on Thursday, it’s very possible that he could miss Saturday’s game. If that’s the case, the most likely candidates to replace him are Dan Skipper and rookie Colby Sorsdal. When Decker had previously been injured, Penei Sewell switched over to left tackle, then Skipper/Sorsdal filled in at right tackle. But with Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons—who leads the NFL in pressures—lining up over the right tackle roughly two-thirds of the time, the Lions may elect to keep Sewell put on the right side.
Wright has now missed five practices in a row and appears likely headed toward another game missed. On a positive note, the Lions elected not to put him on injured reserve last week, indicating they expect him to be potentially ready to return in Week 18 or the first round of the playoffs.
Estimated limited practice
- FB Jason Cabina (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 14
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 14
Cabinda continues to work his way through the evaluation process and if he is healthy enough to return, it’s possible he helps pick up some of the slack potentially lost if Wright misses.
Gardner-Johnson is also working his way through the evaluation process and it sounds like he could make his potential return to the field this weekend. He still has another two weeks remaining in the evaluation process, so there is no rush to bring him back, but his energy would be a welcome addition once healthy.
Full practice
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee)
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
Ragnow has been on the roster all season, yet continues to produce full practices mixed in with veteran rest days. This is his second full practice in a row and he appears to be on track to play against the Cowboys.
Sewell continues to stack full practices after working through a shoulder injury last week. He looks on track to play and has a big task ahead of him—especially considering the Decker situation.
Barnes indeed has upgraded from limited practices last week to full practices this week and looks like he is back on track to return to the lineup against Dallas. He’ll likely jump back into a rotation at MIKE with rookie Jack Campbell.
Jacobs was estimated to have returned to a full practice on Tuesday and Wednesday confirmed that. He looks ready to provide the Lions with depth in their secondary and potential starter-level contributions on special teams.
Cowboys injury report
Did not participate
- RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) — downgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- LT Tyron Smith (back)
- G Zack Martin (veteran rest)
- NT Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle)
Limited due to injury
- OT Chuma Edoga (toe) — was not listed with an injury on Tuesday
Full participant
- FB Hunter Luepke (thigh) — upgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday
- OT Matt Waletzko (shoulder) — activated from IR on Wednesday
- DE Viliami Fehoko (knee, IR designated for return)
- S Malik Hooker (ankle) — upgraded after estimated limited practice on Tuesday