Pride of Detroit
During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell offered several injury updates. Here’s a full breakdown by player:
Kerby Joseph
Joseph has been in a lot of visible pain over the last few weeks, as he’s battled a knee injury. Campbell likened his situation to that of Taylor Decker, who has taken the last few weeks off to let his shoulder heal and build strength back up. With Joseph, they’re balancing how he feels, how it’s impacting his play, and how it will impact his long-term health.
“You have to weigh every one of those, and so we’ll do that with Kerby,” Campbell said. “We’ll reassess here. We saw the game the other day. He tried to gut through it, played most of the game, and, look, it wasn’t his best performance, and he’ll tell you that, too. He was giving us what he had, so we’ll have to reassess.”
His availability this week is not clear at this point, but with Brian Branch suspended, Detroit could certainly use his help.
Alim McNeill
McNeill has now had two weeks of practice after the Lions started his 21-day evaluation window following his ACL injury last year. He still remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but Campbell indicated that he’s looked good in practice and has a chance to play this week vs. the Buccaneers.
“The last two weeks he’s looked good,” Campbell said. “He’s getting more comfortable, legs are under him, he’s physically ready. So I think we’re all hopeful.”
So will he play?
“I’d love to believe so,” Campbell said. “I would, 58—52/48 (percent)? 58—I don’t know [laughing]. We’re getting closer. I’m starting to feel pretty good.”
Terrion Arnold/Avonte Maddox
Arnold (shoulder) and Maddox (hamstring) both missed Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, and per Campbell, both are expected to miss Monday’s game against the Buccaneers.
“I think they’re both probably (returning) after the bye,” Campbell said.
Marcus Davenport
The Lions defensive end has spent four games on injured reserve, meaning he’s eligible to return to the practice field this week. However, Campbell indicated he’s not quite ready to return.
“Not yet,” Campbell said. “He’s doing well, he’s getting better. We like where all of those (IR) guys are at. Man, we’re going to be looking pretty good at the end of November, December, which is awesome. But I don’t see him being ready before the bye for sure.”
Malcolm Rodriguez
Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports that Rodriguez had a clean-up procedure on his ACL, hence the delay in his return. Campbell suggested he could return to the practice field shortly after next week’s bye.
“We’re hoping after the bye we can start rolling him out there a little bit, get him going,” Campbell said.
