The Detroit Lions are managing several injuries ahead of their Thursday matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Four starters missed Monday’s practice: offensive lineman Taylor Decker, defensive linemen Josh Paschal, DJ Reader, and Levi Onwuzurike. Meanwhile, cornerback Carlton Davis, sidelined last week with knee and thumb injuries, returned in a limited capacity.
On Tuesday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about Davis but seemed less confident about Decker, Paschal, and Onwuzurike. “I don’t feel as good about Decker for this week,” Campbell admitted. “C.D. (Carlton Davis) looked pretty good yesterday, actually really good. So unless something changes, I feel good there. For the others, we’ll see what today and tomorrow bring.”
Decker has missed two of the past four games due to shoulder and knee issues, most recently sitting out Thanksgiving after a knee injury in Week 12 against the Colts. Paschal and Onwuzurike exited last week’s game with knee and hamstring problems, respectively.
Reader, dealing with a shoulder injury from the Chicago game, is listed as day-to-day. “I don’t see him practicing today either,” Campbell noted. “He’s day-to-day at this point.”
New Additions Could Bolster the Roster
To address the injuries, the Lions added four players: Myles Adams, Jonah Williams, and Kwon Alexander, all signed off other teams’ practice squads, and Jamal Adams, who joined Detroit’s practice squad. All four could contribute against Green Bay, according to Campbell.
When asked about their potential impact, Campbell replied, “Yeah, I think there’s a chance all four could help us.”
Dan Campbell Look-Alike Contest Draws Fans
Campbell’s popularity continues to grow as he transforms the Lions into Super Bowl contenders. To celebrate him, HopCat in Detroit is hosting a Dan Campbell look-alike contest this Sunday at 4 p.m. The winner will receive a year’s supply of HopCat fries, as reported by CBS News.
Campbell joked about the event, saying, “I don’t know why you’d waste your time on that unless the prize is worth it. Maybe I’ll join if the prize is legitimate.”
Maurice Alexander Re-Signed to Practice Squad
On Tuesday, the Lions re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad. Alexander, the team’s return specialist last week, could see action again with Kalif Raymond on injured reserve.
