It’s Halloween, so let’s play trick-or-treat with the 4 questionable players on the final injury report. Is their designation a trick, and they will sit? Or is it a treat, and they will play? Here are my guesses.
Dan Campbell gave us his own treat with a long-awaited update on Josh Paschal today.
“It’s a back…. He is improving. He’s got a few more things to show us before we’re ready to open the window. I’m hopeful the end of November, early December.”
It’s good to hear that Paschal will be returning, albeit very late in the season. I did a full analysis of his injury situation in this article from earlier today.
In other news, those who were hoping to see DJ Reed (hamstring) return to play next week are in for a trick.
Now, onto the final injury report for the Vikings game. Things are looking generally pretty healthy for the Lions as they welcome 2 secondary starters back in Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold. The Vikings have multiple offensive linemen dealing with various injuries.
Trends
Lions starters out
(NP – no practice, LP – limited practice, FP – full practice)
DETROIT LIONS
OUT – Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Joseph has been dealing with a balky left knee since early training camp. He injured or aggravated the knee on September 28. The diagnosis is uncertain, but a PCL sprain is a possibility based on video.
With this full week of NP’s, it puts next week vs the Commanders in doubt.
OUT – Craig Reynolds, RB (hamstring)
Reynolds was hurt sometime in the last game vs the Bucs. He has not been placed on IR yet which is reassuring. The full week of NP has him leaning out for next game also.
OUT – Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (ACL)
No surprise that Rodriguez is out, as he just opened his 21-day practice window this week. He will probably miss next game also with a projected return on November 16 vs the Eagles.
QUESTIONABLE – Taylor Decker, OT (right shoulder) starter
Great to see that Decker got multiple practices in this week after getting the shoulder aggravated last game. This is a hopeful sign that his health can stabilize for the rest of the season.
QUESTIONABLE – Avonte Maddox, CB/S (hamstring)
Maddox presumably hurt his hamstring in practice on October 9. He was not placed on IR implying an injury of 4 weeks or less. The full week of LP’s is a good sign that even if doesn’t play this week, he’ll be ready for next.
QUESTIONABLE – Sione Vaki, RB (groin)
Vaki has missed the last 4 games, which is coming off missing 2 games with a hamstring. I anticipate the Lions giving him another week off to make sure he is ready.
QUESTIONABLE – Daniel Thomas, S (forearm fracture)
The Vikings game will be 6 weeks post injury. Last season, Alex Anzalone returned to play in 7 weeks from his forearm fracture. While he probably could play on Sunday with a protective brace, another week or two will help him get fully healed.
IN – Terrion Arnold, CB (right shoulder) starter
After initial concerns of a season-ending shoulder injury on October 5, Arnold is incredibly a full-go less than 1 month later. He will have missed only 2 games which is not a bad deal at all.
IN – Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE (hamstring)
This hamstring is suspected to be very mild as he played the entirety of last game and got in 2 FP’s this week.
PUP/NFI – Can start 21-day practice window anytime
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: 1 – Daniel Thomas
IR players:
IR – NOT eligible to return this season (key players listed)
OTHER
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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
QUESTIONABLE – Christian Darrisaw, LT starter
This starting LT played the first 2 series last game before exiting due to his knee. It’s looking like he may be limited again, if he plays at all.
QUESTIONABLE – Andrew Van Ginkel, LB starter
This long-time starter suffered a neck and concussion injury in Week 3 and hasn’t played since. The full week of FP’s would suggest he is in.
QUESTIONABLE – Brian O’Neill, RT starter
O’Neill has been dealing with an MCL sprain suffered in Week 4. He missed the last game. The FP on Friday would lean towards him being in.
QUESTIONABLE – Josh Metellus, S starter
Metellus has played almost 100% of snaps for the Vikings this season and has 2 interceptions. He may have hurt his foot in practice this week.
IN – Jonathan Greenard, LB starter
In the last game, Greenard had a right low ankle sprain based on video. He’s in, but there could be limitations.
IN – Isaiah Rodgers, CB starter
IN – JJ McCarthy, QB starter
McCarthy has been out since Week 2 with a high ankle sprain. There should be no limitations now.
OUT – Josh Oliver, TE
Oliver was carted off last game and has already been ruled out with a foot sprain.
OUT – Jeff Okudah, CB
Former Lions 1st-round pick suffered a concussion last game.
OUT – CJ Ham, FB
Notables unlisted
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions vs Vikings Week 9: Final injury report and medical analysis
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
