It’s still unclear whether Detroit Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell or defensive end Marcus Davenport will be available to play this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both have missed the last two practices, although coach Dan Campbell noted that they’ll try to get both out there during Friday’s practice.
“We’re going to see if we can get Sewell out there today a little bit. Same with Davenport,” Campbell said. “Not sure yet (if they’ll play), but we’ll see.”
Campbell was asked if Sewell’s situation was similar to Taylor Decker’s last season, when the Lions left tackle finished the team’s Week 1 game despite suffering a high-ankle sprain. Decker ended up missing the next two games, but Campbell said Sewell’s injury was a bit different.
“I think it’s a little more medial than that,” Campbell said. “It’s healing, it’s just we’re trying to be smart about it.”
If Sewell can’t go, they’ll likely start Dan Skipper at right tackle. The veteran offensive tackle has started six games over his seven-year career, including one of those games Decker missed early last season.
That all said, Sewell has now told two reporters that he’s fine, and was apparently adamant to reporter Justin Rogers that he plans on playing.
As for Davenport, Campbell noted that the return of DJ Reader this week will help them compensate, if needed.
“Well, the good news is that we get Reader back this week,” Campbell continued. “I feel pretty good about that. So, (Reader) coming back now really opens up a little bit more versatility that we have at the D-line.
Because, between (Kyle) Peko, (Alim) Mac(Neill), Levi (Onwuzurike), and (Josh) Paschal, they can all play anywhere from nose (tackle), to the 3-technique to the big end. So, they’re all going to share that load, if Davenport is not going to be able to go.”
The Lions final injury report is expected to drop around 4 p.m. ET on Friday with official game designations for their Week 2 matchup.
