Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (5-2) and Minnesota Vikings (3-4) will square off in Week 9, and with both teams coming off an extended break—the Lions were on a bye and the Vikings last played on Thursday of Week 8—the practice schedules have been slightly altered this week.
For the Lions, they held practices on Monday and Tuesday, gave players Wednesday off, and will follow that up with two more practices on Thursday and Friday to wrap up the week. Because the first injury report of this week is due out on Wednesday—and the players were not in Allen Park—this practice report is only an estimation of how coaches believed players would have participated, had there been a practice.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.
Davenport remains on injured reserve, and while Lions’ coach Dan Campbell gave no firm return date, he was adamant that the Lions’ edge rusher will return this season:
“Nothing new on Davenport. He is improving, but I can’t give you a definitive, ‘This is when he is going to be back.’ I am just very confident he is going to be back.”
Thomas had his 21-day injury evaluation window opened on Monday, while Rodriguez saw his opened on Tuesday. Both players will have up to three weeks to be examined by the Lions coaching staff, and during that time, they are eligible ot practice. Both can be removed from their individual injury lists at any time.
Reed is not eligible to return to practice for another week, but he was spotted at practice working with trainers, which is typically a milestone before taking the next step in his recovery. If he’s getting some training work in now, there’s a chance he could see his injury evaluation clock start as early as next week.
Craig Reynolds suffered a mid-game injury against the Buccaneers and is still dealing with a hamstring injury. He was seen working with trainers during Tuesday’s practice, indicating his injury may not be considered too serious, but he’ll need to improve this week to make it on the field.
Joseph missed last game with a knee...
