Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (2-1) and the Cleveland Browns (1-2) have declared their injury designations for their upcoming Week 4 matchup at Ford Field this Sunday. The Lions will be missing a key special teamers, but all their offensive and defensive starters are expected to play.
Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from previous reports will be bolded.
Vaki worked his way back from a hamstring injury only to suffer a groin injury halfway through his first game back. This new soft tissue injury will keep him out of this game, and some rest will hopefully put him on a path to recovery soon. His absence will be felt most on special teams, and the Lions will have to find another kickoff return man to work alongside Jacob Saylors. During last week’s game ,Kalif Raymond filled in, but Grant Stuard could also be a possibility to take back over some return duties, or Detroit could choose to have Craig Reynolds take the spot, as he appears likely to be active this week.
Cunningham was not on Wednesday’s estimated injury report and showed up as limited on Thursday. An absence from Friday’s practice and an “out” designation suggest he was injured on Thursday, which could put him in jeopardy of missing time next week as well.
Thomas broke his hand in Week 1 and was able to play with a cast on his hand, but a broken forearm—that required surgery, according to Dave Birkett of the Free Press—will keep him out of this game. Thomas was filling an all-important starting gunner role on special teams, and with him unavailable, the Lions will need a replacement. In training camp, defensive back Rock Ya-Sin, and rookie wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett saw time in the gunner role, and one of them is likely next in line for the role.
Decker had missed several practices during the regular season as the Lions continue to work on managing his shoulder issue. While he missed every practice this week, expectations are still high that he’ll start at left tackle against the Browns. With his experience, the Lions feel confident he can miss practice and still perform at a high level in games, which has worked out so far this season. That being said, routine is not something the team prefers, and they’re hoping to get him back practicing again soon.
“We’d rather it not be the case. But that’s just the way it is right now. And we’re just trying to get him to where he feels good and feels recovered as much as possible for the game. And it’s the right thing to do right now,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of Decker’s situation. “And Decker’s giving...
