The Lions gutted (or should I say Gibbed) out a win over the Giants, which sets up a monumental game on Thanksgiving vs the Packers.
While the win over the mediocre (and possibly tanking) Giants team wasn’t exactly impressive, it raises a philosophical question. Would you rather be blowing teams out regularly, but losing key players for the year? Or would you rather be squeaking out frustrating wins, but getting a bunch of players back towards the end of the season?
Despite a dominant 15-2 regular season last year, the Lions fizzled out immediately in the playoffs. This year, the Lions have had struggles during the regular season, but are getting some important players back for the stretch run. Maybe the ending will in fact be better this year. If so, that ending probably needs to begin with a win on Thanksgiving.
It’s a short week before Thanksgiving, which means a combined postgame report and initial injury report today. Fortunately, the only significant injury seen during the Giants game was to Kalif Raymond, who may have a left high ankle sprain. Brock Wright’s neck isn’t overly concerning yet, but is something to watch. There were no major surprises on the initial injury report which is something to be thankful for.
For the Packers, they have major losses this year with TE Tucker Kraft (ACL) and C Elgton Jenkins (fibula fracture).
Packer players to watch on the report this week:
Lions starters out:
(NP – no practice, LP – limited practice, FP – full practice)
DETROIT LIONS
NP – Kalif Raymond, WR (ankle)
On video, there is concern for a left high ankle sprain as he is rolled up on from the side. A medial ankle sprain is possible also. He left the game and didn’t return.
A mild high ankle could be back within 2-4 weeks. A severe one can even result in a fibula fracture and put him out for months. The video didn’t look too bad, so optimistically, he’ll avoid IR this week and be back soon.
NP – Brock Wright, TE (neck)
Wright landed on his head in the 2nd quarter but finished out the game without issue. This neck injury seems likely related to that play. Hopefully it’s just a simple sprained neck and not a surprise spinal issue (see LaPorta).
NP – Graham Glasgow, C (left knee) starter
Glasgow hurt his left knee in the previous game against the Eagles. Against the Giants, he was slow getting up on a play in the 3rd quarter, but he still played 100% of snaps. I expect him to be ready on Thanksgiving.
NP – Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Joseph last played on October 12. This early week NP very likely keeps him out on Thanksgiving. His target may be December 4 vs the Cowboys.
LP – Terrion Arnold, CB (concussion) starter
After missing the last 2 games, Arnold gets an early week LP which has him trending in for Thanksgiving. Unless there is a setback, he should get up to an FP in the next 2 days which would almost certainly put him in.
LP – Brian Branch, S (toe/ankle) starter
Branch had a toe listing entering the Giants game. Now, a new ankle listing has popped up. He was slow getting up at the 10 minute mark of the 3rd quarter but video didn’t show any obvious injury.
Even though he played 100% of snaps, he didn’t look quite right all game to my eyes. While I expect him to play on Thanksgiving, his practice status this week will be worth watching.
LP – Taylor Decker, OT (right shoulder) starter
Decker has played 5 straight games which is a good sign that his shoulder issue is stabilizing. He should be in on Thanksgiving.
LP – Tate Ratledge, OG (knee) starter
Ratledge hurt his left knee vs the Eagles 2 weeks ago. During the 3rd quarter vs the Giants, he was slow getting up at the 11 minute mark, but video looked benign. He played 100% of snaps vs the Giants, and I expect him to play on Thanksgiving.
LP – Jacob Saylors, RB (back/shoulder)
Saylors has been on the report recently with the back injury but has played through. There is a new shoulder listing but the LP is reassuring. He played 20 special teams snaps vs the Giants.
LP – Penei Sewell, OT (ankle) starter
Sewell injured his left ankle 3 weeks ago and still may be hampered by it. He was slow getting up in the 2nd quarter vs the Giants, but played 100% of snaps. He should be in on Thanksgiving.
LP – Isaac TeSlaa, WR (hand)
His oblique is off the report, but now he has a hand. The LP is reassuring it’s not serious like a fracture.
LP – Sione Vaki, RB (ankle)
Vaki has played through an ankle issue the past couple weeks and I expect that to continue. He got 20 special teams snaps vs the Giants.
FP – Marcus Davenport, EDGE (right shoulder) starter
Davenport has not played since September 14 with a reported pec strain. He got an FP last Friday and he starts this week with an FP. He’s on track to have a full week of FP and play on Thanksgiving.
FP – Miles Frazier, OG (knee)
Frazier’s 21-day window expires on Tuesday, so expect him to be “activated” to the 53-man roster by then. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be active on gameday though. Last year, Christian Mahogany made a quick rise to primary OG backup after missing half the season. We’ll see if the same happens with Frazier.
FP – Josh Paschal, EDGE (back)
Like with Frazier, Paschal’s 21-day window expires on Tuesday, so expect him to be “activated” to the 53-man roster by then. Thanksgiving was the likely target date for his return, and the early week FP has him tracking to hit that target.
NOTABLES UNLISTED
DJ Reed (hamstring) is off the report after his first game in 2 months. He only played 38% of snaps, but was in on the final 2 snaps in overtime. This suggests the low snap count was planned and not due to any kind of aggravation.
The Lions typically don’t ease players back, but did so this time with Reed (which I fully support). The extended 2-month absence as well as 2 games in 5 days may have been the reasons. Assuming there is no significant soreness, expect Reed to get an increased workload on Thanksgiving.
PUP/NFI
IR (injured reserve) – eligible to return this season
(Rules recap: There is no limit to the number of players that can be placed on IR. Must stay on IR for minimum 4 games. Only 8 are allowed to return during regular season plus bonus 2 for the playoffs. Last season, Lions used 7 returns during regular season and 1 during playoffs.)
Eligible return dates:
IR returns: 4 – Thomas, Reed, Davenport, Dorsey
IR players:
IR – NOT eligible to return this season (key players listed)
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions vs Packers: Initial injury report and medical analysis
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
