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Medical review of final injury report plus IR updates

Medical review of final injury report plus IR updates

Coming into the season, offense was expected to be this team’s strength. Even more so now, with the offense in excellent health coupled with an injury-riddled defense. Last week, Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense will take on more responsibility and expects the aggressive 4th-down decisions to continue.

With Taylor Decker back after missing two games, the Lions’ starting offensive unit is fully intact and most of the key reserves are healthy as well. The offense will need to put up points to stay ahead of a high-powered Bills offense that boasts leading MVP candidate Josh Allen and will feature the return of two impact pass catchers in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman.

The Lions’ defensive line trended upward during the week, with DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal and Alim McNeill all progressing quickly to where they are for good.

The Bills defense will have a battered secondary with a starting CB and both starting safeties nursing injuries of questionable status.



DETROIT LIONS

Out – Trevor Nowaske LB, (UL NP NP)

This backup LB played 64% of the snaps last game. He likely suffered a concussion in Wednesday’s practice, which will force him to miss this game.

At LB, Jack Campbell played 100% of the snaps last game and expect that to continue. Ezekiel Turner (34%), Kwon Alexander (34%), David Long (32%), Jamal Adams (16%) and Ben Niemann (2%) are candidates to fill the void.


In – Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP FP FP)

See my initial analysis of the injury report for the full timeline of his concussion. There was also concern for a non-concussion or jaw problem. Very good news that everything was resolved quickly.


In – Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP FP FP)

A suspected right MCL and high or medial sprain of the right ankle on Nov. 24 forced him to miss two games. With his return, all offensive starters are intact. Dan Skipper, who filled in admirably at LT, will return to his usual role as jumbo TE and 9th-string WR.


In – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a way that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and missed one game. While a subluxation is still a possibility, his quick return gives hope that it was just a mild shoulder strain.


In – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP LP FP)

A strained left hamstring on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Hamstrings can easily last several weeks, so it’s good to see that this one was easy.


In – Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP FP FP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. The video didn’t suggest anything too concerning.


Update injured reserve list

Coming back soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, fractured left forearm – Expect his 21-day practice window to open early next week, with a possible return to action in Week 17 (49ers) or Week 18 (Vikings).
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected for the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window should open after next week’s game against the Bears.

Not sure, but hopefully it’ll be back soon:

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return next week against the Bears. Keep an eye out for his 21-day training window to open early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that means it’s at least three weeks away.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, Left Finger – Same situation as Rakestraw. Eligible to return next week against the Bears. I hope his 21-day training window opens early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, it’s at least three weeks away.

Early Playoffs at Best:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return at any time, but his 21-day practice window has not yet opened. This means it is at least 3 weeks away. At this point, the earliest projected return would be in the playoffs. Dan Campbell on December 9th corroborated a multi-week timeline saying it’s “better… There’s a chance we can get it in a few weeks.” While there are no details on his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it is nothing too serious.

At best, late playoffs:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Very limited action is expected in the Super Bowl, though Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC Championship Game is a possibility. Currently, nine weeks after the injury, the bone should be close to healing at this point. Hutchinson has significant atrophy expected in his legs, so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – The original estimate projected a return in January at best.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to return.

Not expected to return:

  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  • Kyle Peko, left pec
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee

NFL IR PLAYOFF RULES

The Lions can return to the playoffs whenever IR players want, as long as they don’t add up to more than 10 for the entire year (regular season + playoffs). So far, the Lions have returned three (Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu).



BIBLE BILLS

Credits to @BangedUpBills for help with analysis. The Bills had a presentation on Wednesday and a virtual-only meeting on Thursday.

Out – Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP NP NP)

This starting CB hasn’t missed a game this year, but will miss his first after injuring his left knee last game.

Doubtful – Taylor Rapp S, Neck/Shoulder (NP NP LP)

Rapp was injured two weeks ago and was limited in the last game despite playing every snap. He can keep trying to play.

Doubtful – Damar Hamlin S, back/ribs (FP NP LP)

This starting safety has played in every game this year, recording nearly 100% of the snaps, including 100% last game. Unless something significant happened during the exposures, it will probably play. He has 2 interceptions this year.

Questionable – Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP FP FP)

Expect this starting TE to play after missing the last three games with a PCL. He is a very good receiver with 34 receptions for 356 yards this year.

Questionable – Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP FP FP)

Smoot has missed the past four games on IR with wrist surgery, but is eligible to return Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of the snaps.

Doubtful – Baylon Spector LB, Calf (FP FP FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return Sunday. This year he started several games.

Doubtful – Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP LP LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of the snaps.

Questionable – Quintin Morris TE, shoulder/groin (FP FP FP)

Morris is a backup who has 2 receptions for 16 yards this year.

Questionable – Tylan Grable OT, groin (FP FP FP)

Grable has not played since September 23rd.

In – Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP FP FP)

This second-round pick will return after missing the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards, which is second on the team behind Khalil Shakir (735 yards).


Here’s the full report: