This season, the Detroit Lions have been riddled with injuries at key positions. With a lack of depth on the team, injuries have played a crucial part in how the season has started. Following their bye week, the Lions hope to be a healthier and deeper team. While the start of the season has been disappointing, the next three games will determine if this is another failed year, or if progress is being made. Before the Lions take on the 4-2 Dallas Cowboys, let’s take a look at some key injuries and see how they have updated during the bye week.
D’Andre Swift
Swift has been dealing with multiple injuries this season. A shoulder injury has been the most recent injury, although an injured ankle limited Swift earlier in the season. Swift is expected to start versus the Cowboys. Swift has proven a vital part of the offense, but his ability to remain healthy is a major question. Swift has missed multiple games in every season he has played. Not a good sign for one of the Lions’ best weapons.
Jerry Jacobs
The second-year cornerback tore his ACL in a 38-10 loss to the Denver Broncos last season, but is on track to return within the coming weeks. Jacobs’ return would provide much needed depth to a secondary that, beside Jeff Okudah, has looked rough. Cornerback Amani Oruwariye was inactive against the New England Patriots after struggling in the first month of the season. More consistency in the secondary is needed.
Levi Onwuzurike
During the bye week, the second-year defensive tackle underwent back fusion surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season. Onwuzurike has struggled with this injury since the start of training camp.
Romeo Okwara
Head Coach Dan Cambell said that there is a chance that Okwara will return at some point this season. The defensive end tore his Achilles in a 24-14 loss to the Chicago Bears last season.
Josh Paschal
The second-round draft pick underwent sports hernia surgery after OTAs. The Lions’ pass rush has taken huge hits all season, and a return from Paschal is much needed. Expect Paschal to make his NFL debut sometime in the next two weeks.
John Cominsky
Defensive lineman John Cominsky underwent wrist surgery after injuring his wrist in Week 2. Campbell noted that things are looking promising for Cominsky, and his return will also aid a much-depleted Lions’ defensive line.
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus have all been dealing with injuries. This once deep group has struggled to be healthy, as Chark and Cephus were inactive against the Patriots. None of the injuries were serious, and the bye week should have allowed the receivers to recover. Expect them all to play on Sunday.
Cornerbacks
Safety Saivion Smith suffered a serious neck injury that required an ambulance to take him off the field against the New England Patriots. Smith has feelings in his extremities, but his timetable is unknown. Will Harris suffered a groin injury and did not return. Ifeatu Melifonwu, suffered an ankle injury and also did not return. While there has not been an update on all three players yet, I would expect Harris and Melifonwu to be active against the Cowboys.
