Lions Week 18 injury report: Taylor Decker returns, Benito Jones misses practiceLooking at Thursday’s injury report for the Detroit Lions in Week 18 as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings.
The Detroit Lions returned to the field on Thursday as they continue to prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.
The Lions had a few more players on the injury report today, although the new additions aren’t too concerning at this point they are.
this time, and they brought a starter back to full practice.Let’s take a look at what else changed on the Lions’ injury report.
NOTE: All changes from yesterday’s injury report are in bold. No exerciseC Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee) – Veterans Day OffRG Graham Glasgow (Rest) – Day of Rest for VeteransWR Jameson Williams (ankle/illness)TE Brock Wright (groin)DT Benito Jones (illness) – added to Thursday reportAs we mentioned in yesterday’s report, Ragnow was expected to miss practice as part of the injury care routine he’s been following all season.
Expect him to return to practice on Friday and be ready to play on Sunday.
Glasgow also had a day off for veterans.Williams’ prognosis is not so optimistic.
With him dealing with an ankle injury and the playoffs quickly approaching, the Lions should give him some rest and prepare for the playoffs.
He’s also dealing with an illness, which complicates things even further.Wright’s situation is even less ideal.
Due to his absence Thursday, he has now missed eight straight practices and two games. There’s still hope he can return for the playoffs, but he has to start practicing soon.
Jones appeared on the injury report Thursday with an illness, but as we’ve seen in recent weeks, it could be a minor illness that doesn’t keep him from playing or something more serious.
We will have to wait until Friday to see if he can be present before knowing more.Limited practice appreciatedTE Sam LaPorta (ankle)DT Alm McNeill (IR, knee) – evaluation days remaining:
19EDGE James Houston (IR, ankle) – days remaining on evaluation: 14Coach Dan Campbell doesn’t seem too concerned about LaPorta’s ankle injury, and while the rookie continues to practice, it appears he should be available Sunday.
Don’t expect the Lions to put too much pressure on him.
McNeill remains on track to return to the active roster this weekend and play on Sunday.
The Lions have had to get creative in finding ways to supplement their interior defensive line presence, but McNeill’s return should give them many more options.
Campbell has said previously that he doesn’t expect Houston to be available this week, but that he will likely be back in the near future, hopefully for the first round of the playoffs.
Complete practiceLT Taylor Decker (groin) – Improved after not practicing WednesdayDB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (IR, bib) — Evaluation days remaining:
6CB Cameron Sutton (forward)Decker was absent Wednesday but returned Thursday and completed a full workout.
He overcame the injury without too many issues last week, and while the Lions are expected to take it easy so he’s ready for the playoffs, this is a very positive sign.
Not only is Gardner-Johnson expected to return this week, but he is also expected to play with fellow safeties Kerby Joseph and Ifeato Melifonwu.
Look for Gardner-Johnson to be activated on the 53-man roster before this weekend’s game
