Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears were back on the practice field on Thursday, as they each look to get a tally in the win column this Sunday at Ford Field. The Lions had two starters sit out Wednesday’s practice, and while Jack Campbell was able to return on Thursday, Taylor Decker missed his second practice in a row.
Let’s take a look at Thursday’s initial injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the previous injury report will be bolded.
While Decker has missed the previous two practices, he and the team appear hopeful about his availability for Sunday.
After Wednesday’s practice, Decker spoke with the media and said that he “just got some stuff that I’m dealing with, hopefully be out there on Sunday.” On Thursday, Lions offensive coordinator John Morton was asked about Decker at his morning press conference, to which he stated, “We’re totally expecting Decker to play.”
With Jamarco Jones landing on season-ending injured reserve and practice squader Dan Skipper missing practices with tendonitis in his right knee (per Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers), the Lions have been using Giovanni Manu at left tackle in practices.
When Morton was asked if Decker was unable to play on Sunday, if the team would turn to Manu to start at left tackle, Morton said, “I would think so. You’d have to ask (coach) Dan (Campbell) that.” Reserve interior offensive lineman Kayode Awosika, who also has experience playing tackle, has also been identified as a possible replacement option by offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
Campbell is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday morning before the Lions’ final practice of the week.
Vaki has been dealing with a hamstring injury for the majority of camp, and while he’s not in the clear just yet, getting two practices in a row is certainly a step in the right direction. Once Vaki is able to contribute in games, he’s expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.
“He’s just a tremendous talent. He’s super quick, he’s explosive, he’s powerful, he’s really like a lot of those safety, running back body types,” Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said on Thursday. “That’s what you want. You want a guy who’s 200-plus pounds, who’s very strong, very quick, very physical, athletic, so he can change direction. So he ends up being a very positive player both in coverage and return game. So, they have a versatile skillset, so that’s him. Obviously, him returning the ball, he’s got the running back background. And for him, he’s unique because he’s also got that defensive background, so it helps him in coverage. He played great for us a year ago, so yeah, we’re obviously excited to get him back as soon as we can.”
Nowaske missed all of last week with an...
