The Detroit Lions are not expecting to activate two players from injured reserve quite yet. Coach Dan Campbell told media on Friday that cornerback D.J. Reed and defensive end Marcus Davenport aren’t likely play this week after both returned to practice Wednesday from extended absences. Both will remain on injured reserve this week, meaning they won’t count against the 53-man roster.
“I don’t see D.J. yet. I love where he’s at, he’s getting better,” Campbell said. “He and Davenport both. They look good. They’ve just gotten back out there, working them back in.”
Detroit could have used Reed this week, as it appears they’ll be shorthanded at cornerback for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Terrion Arnold has not practiced all week after suffering a concussion during last week’s game against the Commanders. Additionally, Amik Robertson is dealing with a hamstring injury, although he did practice on Friday. If Robertson can go, he’ll like be the team’s top cornerback, with Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside serving as the next men up.
Reed suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns. Initially believed to a longer-term injury, Reed was relieved to find out it wasn’t a season-ender. This week, he talked about being physically ready to play, but knew that the team was going to be mindful of his return to the field on game day.
“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready,” Reed said Wednesday. “But that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it. But if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s my mindset.”
It’s no surprise Davenport will not be activated, either. He, too, has just been practicing for a few days after suffering a chest/pectoral injury in Week 2. The Lions defensive line is otherwise as healthy as it’s been all season, so surviving another week without Davenport should not be as big of an issue.
There are a few players who could be activated from an injury list this week, though. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has had three full weeks of practice, including all “full” practices this week. He’ll likely be activated from PUP and see his first action since tearing his ACL last Thanksgiving. It’s less clear for defensive end Josh Paschal, who started practicing last week, but missed all of Detroit’s offseason program with a back injury. The same goes for rookie guard Miles Frazier, but his return seems likely weeks away as a first-year player.
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