Coming off a loss to the Packers, the Lions play another divisional rival on Sunday in the Bears. Suddenly, the importance of this game has shot up because of the Packers strong 2-0 start and a difficult game at the Ravens next week.
While there is no such thing as a must-win in Week 2, the DEFCON level for the Lions has certainly risen.
Dan Campbell had a press conference Friday with some relevant quotes below.
TRENDS
(NP – no practice, LP – limited practice, FP – full practice)
________________________________
DETROIT LIONS
IN – Terrion Arnold, CB (groin) starter
Kelvin Sheppard (Lions defensive coordinator) pulled no punches in his press conference regarding Green Bay’s 2-play touchdown drive where Arnold was beat on both plays. Couple that with Arnold’s FP all week and you can surmise a possible “quiet” benching in the 2nd half of last game. The upshot is that Arnold’s groin is of minimal concern.
QUESTIONABLE – Taylor Decker, OT (shoulder) starter
Campbell’s comments along with 3x NP suggest that Decker will be out. That means we might get an early peek at if Giovanni Manu can be a long-term solution at OT.
“Decker wants to play… This is about the long-term season just as far as what we do for this one.”
The good news is that the questionable designation is a favorable sign that even if he misses this game, there is a good chance he plays next week vs the Ravens.
Decker had offseason right shoulder surgery in June or July. He had a rest day last week possibly for that shoulder. It’s uncertain if the current shoulder injury is a continuation of what has been going on. If the same shoulder is already aggravated by Week 2, concern is raised for a chronic, season-long problem.
Campbell was asked if the current shoulder injury is related to the offseason shoulder surgery:
“I’m not sure on that.”
QUESTIONABLE – Kerby Joseph, S (knee) starter
Joseph had a surprise LP on Friday. During much of training camp, he had a left knee issue. While the relation is unknown, it’s not a great sign that a knee has popped up on the report already in Week 2. If this is the same knee, it could be something chronic he’ll need to manage all season.
IN – Jack Campbell, LB (ankle) starter
I went back and scrubbed through all of Campbell’s defensive plays last game and did not see any sign of an ankle injury. It’s always possible he hurt it after the game. Regardless, it’s a very favorable sign that he had 2x FP’s to finish the week.
DOUBTFUL – Sione Vaki, RB (hamstring)
Vaki’s hamstring has been an intermittent issue since July 21, and he’ll miss his second straight game. The doubtful designation suggests he has a good chance to play next week though.
OUT – Trevor Nowaske, LB (elbow)
This backup LB was NP all last week, but upgraded to 3x LP this week. The OUT designation suggests he’s still got a little ways to go though.
IN – Daniel Thomas, S (hand fracture)
This special teamer broke his hand during last game, but he’s playing through.
Notables unlisted
PUP/NFI – must miss first 4 games of season
IR (injured reserve) – eligible to return this season
(Rules recap: Unlimited number of players can go 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.)
IR – NOT eligible to return this season (key players only)
Tidbits
____________________________________
CHICAGO BEARS
OUT – Kyler Gordon, CB (hamstring) starter
This nickel CB also missed Week 1.
QUESTIONABLE – Grady Jarrett, DL (knee) starter
Jarrett played 82% of defensive snaps in Week 1. The single LP this week suggests he’ll be out, which would be a big loss in the middle of the defensive line.
IN – TJ Edwards, LB (hamstring) starter
Edwards missed Week 1.
IN – Jaylon Johnson, CB (calf/groin) starter
Johnson missed Week 1.
DOUBTFUL – Jahdae Walker, WR (ankle)
Walker is an undrafted rookie who played only special teams in Week 1.
IN – Josh Blackwell, DB (groin)
IN – Roschon Johnson, RB (foot)
Johnson missed last game with a foot after being listed as questionable.
IN – DJ Moore, WR (abdomen/groin)
Moore took a bit hit to the torso late in Week 1, but should be fine.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions vs Bears Week 2: Final injury report and medical analysis
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
