With the start of Lions training camp comes all the injury news that Dan Campbell and company
have been keeping mum during the offseason. During his opening presser today, Campbell
offered status reports on a few players, with more negative than positive.
Jeff Okudah, CB:
“He’s good to go.” says Campbell. Okudah, whose recovery has been well
documented on his Instagram stories, has been working his way back from an Achilles tear in the
season opener. Per Campbell, “We’re gonna give him some reps…if he looks good today, he’ll
get more…we’re not putting any restrictions on him.” He took some first team reps today, and if
all goes well, he’ll be starting in week one.
Romeo Okwara, EDGE:
Okwara, another Achilles victim, has unfortunately not made the same
progress Okudah has. His injury did come later in the season, but he’s going to start the season
on the PUP list. “He’s progressing, he’s on that trajectory, it’s just not as steep” says
Campbell.
Jason Cabinda, FB:
Unfortunately, the Lions are down a superback. For reasons unknown,
Cabinda has been placed on the PUP list. It’s currently unclear who will replace his role in
the offense.
CJ Moore, CB:
Moore’s been placed on the Non-Football Injury list. This one could be a
problem – Moore’s the Lions’ ace gunner on special teams. With him out, there’s serviceable
depth at CB, but special teams is where the problem lies. If the Lions can’t find a reliable
replacement, the special teams unit would take a step backward.
Dan Skipper:
Skipper’s on the illness list. As serviceable o-line depth, Skipper’s not going
to start, but losing any player is bad news. However, this isn’t a big deal for the future.
Josh Paschal, EDGE:
Paschal has been diagnosed with a sports hernia, per Campbell, who said
“He’s doing well, but it’ll be a little bit. He’s doing good. He’s progressing.” The second round
pick was added to the PUP list over the weekend. It’s good to have some clarity on what
Paschal’s dealing with, but his injury, in tandem with Okwara’s, really shortens up options at
EDGE.
