When the Detroit Lions play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 on Sunday afternoon, they are a little hurt. Prior to the game, the injury status of four players is uncertain, and two defensive backs for the Lions have been ruled out. Among them is safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has not yet seen on the field for Detroit in 2024.
The season’s third straight game will be missed by the 25-year-old as he recovers from an ankle ailment. The safety’s potential return date is still unknown, but on September 30, when the Lions host the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, he will have another opportunity.
A hamstring ailment has also ruled out Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The cornerback was a healthy scratch for last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missing all of practice. Before the Cardinals game, there are four more players on the questionable list. They are as follows: Alex Anzalone, a linebacker (concussion) Terrion Arnold, a cornerback (sickness) Graham Glasgow, guard (knee) Isaiah Williams, a wide receiver (abdomen) Anzalone sustained a concussion during the Lions’ previous weekend’s loss to the Bucs. He practiced sparingly on Thursday and Friday and not at all on Wednesday. Consider looking for Jack Campbell to step in if he is limited or declared out prior to the game.
Due to an illness, Arnold was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was able to resume on Friday. Even if Arnold plays, Detroit is cornerback position does not seem good because Rakestraw is out and Arnold has not played much this week. The next man up to play the outside corner position might be Kindle Vildor, and Amik Robertson might also be a possibility. Glasgow did not participate much on Thursday or Friday, but by Sunday, he should be fully recovered. Williams is still suffering with the abdominal issue that prevented him from playing in the game last week. Williams is essentially a depth player for the Lions, so even if healthy, it is unlikely that he would play.
Regarding the Cardinals, three players are classified as doubtful before Sunday’s game: offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (hamstring), wide receiver Greg Dortch (hamstring), and defensive lineman Dante Stills (shoulder). On FOX, kickoff is scheduled at 3:25 p.m. CT.
