Within the first 3 days of camp, there has been a torrent of offseason injury updates along with some new injuries. Today (July 23) on Day 4, the Lions have a day off, so it’s a good time to catch our breath and recap what’s going on from a health standpoint.
I’ve ordered the players by anticipated return dates which are mostly based on Dan Campbell’s comments with some reading-between-the-lines.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB – A few days
The chest contusion suffered on Day 1 of camp is no big deal.
Roy Lopez, DT – A few days
His foot was stepped on which is of minimal concern. Good thing as there are many more DT’s further down this list.
Brodric Martin, DT – Unknown return but likely soon
His foot injury happened on Day 3 of camp, but he returned to practice on Day 5 (July 24) which is very reassuring that there isn’t anything serious going on.
Stantley Thomas-Oliver, CB (NFI) – Unknown return but likely soon
The injury or illness is unknown and Campbell did not provided any info. On Day 5 of camp, he was taken off NFI and started practicing.
Sione Vaki, RB – Early August
His hamstring suffered in camp is minor. He’ll get a gradual ramp-up so probably misses the first preseason game (July 31).
Taylor Decker, OT (PUP) – Early August
Decker had a shoulder clean-up surgery after June OTA. The injury may have stemmed from last season when he had a rotator cuff issue that cost him one game. Like last preseason, he almost certainly won’t play any snaps which means he can work his way back slowly.
Khalil Dorsey, CB (PUP) – Mid-late August
Dorsey’s tib/fib fracture from December 15 of last season is staying on track with expectations.
Josh Paschal, EDGE (NFI) – Early September
Paschal had an unspecified “cleanup” surgery. The NFI designation means the injury occurred during personal time or is not football-related. Last year, he missed two games with a shoulder mass excision which is of uncertain relevance.
Mekhi Wingo, DT (PUP) – September
Wingo had a reported meniscus tear in November 2024 which ended his season. Given the lengthy timeline, I suspect there may be more going on than just a meniscus. It’s possible that the initial injury had other damage, or he had an aggravation or a new injury this offseason.
Miles Frazier, OG (PUP) – September-October
Frazier has an unspecified knee injury. There are no details like when this injury occurred or if he had surgery.
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (PUP) – October
His ACL tear was on November 28 last year. A typical 10-11 month ACL recovery would have him back in October so it sounds like he’s on schedule.
On Instagram, Rodriguez posted this video showing him doing cutting drills which keeps him on track.
Alim McNeill, DT (PUP) – November
His ACL tear was on December 15 last year. Brad Holmes mentioned on SiriusXM that McNeill might be back earlier than expected. Without knowing his pre-existing expectation, it doesn’t tell us much about the timeline. It does tell us that rehab is going smoothly though.
Levi Onwuzurike, DT – Out for season
Onwuzurike had ACL surgery. Based on Dan Campbell’s comments, this was not a straightforward, complete ACL tear and was something he may have been playing through last season. A partial ACL tear that worsened or was reevaluated would fit the timeline. To Onwuzurike’s credit, he played 17 of 18 games last season.
The timing of the surgery is unknown. With a typical 10-11 month recovery, he likely will be available at the start of next season. He enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent and will be 28 years old next season.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Day 4 of camp: Anticipated return dates for injured Lions
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
