Dan Campbell is (unfortunately) already in mid-season form as far as the frequency of his injury updates. Today, on Day 3 of training camp, brought some more big revelations in Mekhi Wingo and Miles Frazier.
But first, an update on two players who were injured yesterday….
Sione Vaki: hamstring
The hamstring is minor as Campbell expects him back in a few days. Of more interest was when he casually went on to say…
“That was unfortunate we didn’t have him for the spring”
I’m not aware of an injury that Vaki had in the spring, so hopefully we get more information on this later. Last season was very healthy from all indications. He only missed one game in Week 9 due to a knee injury.
Roy Lopez: foot
“Got stepped on… and cleat twisted on top of his foot”
There is no cause for concern here. At most, it sounds like just a superficial laceration. Campbell expects him back in a few days.
THE BIG NEWS….
Miles Frazier (PUP): unspecified knee
“Let’s call it September – October”
Frazier had played 13 games in each of his final three college seasons so there wasn’t anything concerning heading into the draft.
He was limited at June OTA which raised eyebrows a little bit at that time since his OL rookie counterpart, Tate Ratledge, was a full participant. His limitation means it’s possible that the knee was injured prior to OTA. If so, then this is approximately a four-month knee injury which would be very significant and may have been surgical.
The optimistic view is that the injury is not actually that serious and the Lions are using roster management strategy with the plan of keeping him on PUP into the season. For a player that might not have much of a role early in the season, keeping him on PUP frees up a 53-man roster spot without the risk of losing the player to another team. Last year, Christian Mahogany missed all of camp and the first few weeks of the season due to mono, and still became the primary OG backup.
Mekhi Wingo (PUP): meniscus – November 28, 2024
“Probably September”
This is disappointing news for Wingo who reportedly had a meniscus injury back in November of last year. Presumably, he had a meniscus repair which is a longer recovery than a simple clean-up and can take 3-6 months. If he returns in September, that’s a 9-month recovery which suggests there may be something more going on than just a meniscus.
With Levi Onwuzurike (ACL) already done for the season and Alim McNeill (ACL) still rehabbing, the DT group can’t afford many more losses.
PLAYERS STAYING ON TRACK….
Khalil Dorsey (PUP): right tib/fib fracture – December 15, 2024
“Hoping late camp. His speed is there.”
This timeline tracks with expectations, which means he is on schedule. For roster management reasons, the Lions could decide to keep him on PUP into the season if the other CB’s stay healthy.
Malcolm Rodriguez (PUP): ACL – November 28, 2024
“I think he’s another October guy.”
A fairly typical 11-month ACL return would have him back at the end of October. Since the Lions have a bye that week, the next game would be November 2. If he is able to return in early-mid October, that would be a small, but appreciated, win.
OTHER NEWS FROM TODAY’S PRACTICE….
Alex Anzalone: contract
As suspected yesterday, Anzalone’s hamstring is almost certainly just a cover for a hold-in. Today, he confirmed in no uncertain terms that he is dissatisfied with his contract. He is 30 years old (turns 31 on September 22) and is entering the final year of his 3-year deal.
Coming soon are likely top-of-the-market extensions for Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta. Also, slightly lower than top-of-the-market but still rich extensions may come for Jameson Williams and Jack Campbell. All those players are significantly younger than Anzalone and rightfully are a higher team priority.
Salary cap room might be too tight to accommodate Anzalone’s desires. If the Lions don’t want to add any new money, they may try to give Anzalone a small win by moving some of this year’s salary up-front.
Brodric Martin: foot injury at practice
Details and severity are unknown. Entering a potential make-or-break 3rd season, Martin needs to avoid any more injuries during preseason. Last year, he had a knee hyperextension in preseason that landed him on IR and may have affected him the rest of the season.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Day 3 Lions training camp medical updates: Notes on Brodric Martin, Sione Vaki and more
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
