DETROIT – The Detroit Lions listed eight players on the first practice injury report ahead of their potential division-clinching clash with the Vikings.
If the Lions win Sunday’s game in Minneapolis, they will lock up their first-ever NFC North Division title. A loss would make the final two weeks much more stressful as the number of clinching opportunities dwindle.
On Wednesday, the week’s first practice report was released, and eight Lions are listed:
- Cornerback Jerry Jacobs -- no practice (hamstring).
- Tight end Brock Wright -- no practice (hip).
- Linebacker Derrick Barnes -- limited practice (shoulder).
- Fullback Jason Cabinda -- limited practice (knee).
- Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson -- limited practice (pectoral).
- Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike -- limited practice (knee).
- Right tackle Penei Sewell -- limited practice (shoulder).
- Center Frank Ragnow -- full practice (knee/back/toe).
Jacobs and Wright are the only two players who didn’t practice at all Wednesday, but there hasn’t yet been any indication from the Lions that their injuries are long-term.
Cabinda and Gardner-Johnson returned to practice from the reserve/injured list, which is a promising first step in their journeys back to the field before the end of the season.
Barnes, Onwuzurike, and Sewell were limited practice participants, but that suggests they’ll likely be ready to play by Sunday.
Ragnow just returned from injury over the weekend against the Broncos, so it’s very encouraging that he was a full participant in practice.
Overall, this is a positive practice report for the Lions ahead of their biggest game of the season.
