As the Detroit Lions prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, several key players' health statuses are top of mind for fans and the coaching staff. Dan Campbell, the Lions' head coach, provided some crucial updates that may impact the team’s performance on Sunday.
First, the good news. Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who had been dealing with a concussion, and offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, nursing a knee injury, returned to practice on Thursday. According to Sports Illustrated, both players were deemed limited participants, which is a positive sign for their availability come game day. Glasgow’s return is particularly vital for the offensive line that struggled in Week 2.
Not everyone, however, received a clean bill of health. Defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu’s struggle with an ankle injury continues to sideline him. He hasn't practiced almost entirely since the second preseason game. Jeff Risdon from the Lions Wire reports that Melifonwu has missed more games than he has played during his four-year tenure due to various ailments. Coach Campbell mentioned that Melifonwu is progressing, but putting him on injured reserve hasn't been ruled out entirely.
Adding to the secondary's woes, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw is out with a hamstring injury. Per Yahoo Sports, Rakestraw picked up the injury during pregame warmups and was a late scratch in Week 2. He did not practice this week and has already been ruled out for the Cardinals game.
Terrion Arnold, another defensive back, missed two practices this week due to an illness, but according to the Detroit Free Press, he is trending positively and might suit up on Sunday. Despite his illness and a finger injury sustained against the Buccaneers, there's cautious optimism about his return.
Key players in better health include wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who faced a quad injury but is now a full participant in practice. Safety Kerby Joseph, who dealt with back issues, has also been practicing fully and is expected to play, according to Detroit Football Network.
The Lions face an uphill battle against an improved Cardinals defense that has been more robust against the run this season. Offensive coordinator Johnson remarked on the change, pointing out, "You turn on the tape, teams were able to run the ball on them last year… This year it’s different. They’ve inputted some guys through free agency that we have a lot of respect for, much stouter up front against the run and when they’re healthy on the back end, which they are right now, they can match concepts in the passing game. They’re extremely tight in coverage."
With these injury updates, the Lions have both hopeful returns and concerning absences. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the final injury report to see who takes the field. All eyes will be on Dan Campbell’s decisions and how the team adapts to these challenges. Despite the setbacks, the Lions have shown resilience and will look to turn things around with the available talent they have.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions Week 3 Thursday Injury Report from Sports Illustrated
Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu 'progressing' but still out with injury from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
Dan Campbell gives Lions injury updates on Terrion Arnold, Alex Anzalone, Ifeatu Melifonwu from Detroit Free Press
Lions vs. Cardinals: Final Detroit injury game status report for Week 3 from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
10 thoughts to end the week as Lions prepare to battle the Cardinals from Justin Rogers, Detroit Football Network