Upcoming Matchup: Lions vs. Bears
The Detroit Lions are set to face the Chicago Bears in Week 2, marking their second consecutive divisional clash. Following a Week 1 game, the Lions welcomed back some injured players to practice but still noted the absence of two starters during Wednesday’s session.
Wednesday’s Injury Report Summary
Here’s a summary of the initial injury report from Wednesday. Changes from last week will be bolded.
- OT Jamarco Jones, Reserve/IR — Season ending
- G Miles Frazier, Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5
- EDGE Josh Paschal, Reserve/NFI — eligible to return in Week 5
- DT Alim McNeill, Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez, Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5
Injury Updates for Key Players
Jones sustained an ankle injury last Thursday and was placed on injured reserve shortly after. Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the injury would end his season. Currently, second-year tackle Giovanni Manu is expected to fill this role, although veteran Kayode Awosika could also step in, and Devin Cochran has recently been signed to the practice squad.
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) — New injury
- LB Jack Campbell (ankle) — New injury
After playing every snap in Week 1, Decker skipped Wednesday’s practice, yet he expressed hope to participate on Sunday. The Lions typically take a cautious approach with veteran players, particularly those over 30.
Returning to Practice
Fortunately, practice squad tackle Dan Skipper, a potential candidate to fill Jones’s position, was seen at practice with a compression sleeve on his right leg and remains unable to participate. On a more positive note, RB Sione Vaki and LB Trevor Nowaske returned to practice this week after missing time due to injuries last week.
Bears’ Injury Concerns
The Bears have their own injury challenges, including several starters. Coach Campbell commented on their defense: “They played a lot of nickel obviously without Gordon, and to your point, without Edwards…those are three really good players for them.” There is optimism that at least two of these key players will return.
