During a stretch of four games played in 18 days, the Detroit Lions had to deal with a number of injuries.
However, with a little more time to catch their breath after their last game on December 5, the Lions are healthier heading into a big game against the Buffalo Bills.
On Friday, coach Dan Campbell gave optimistic updates on Josh Paschal, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Taylor Decker and Alim McNeill. Decker and Paschal were dealing with knee injuries, while Onwuzurike was dealing with a hamstring and Reader was dealing with a shoulder ailment.
McNeill is also in good shape after passing concussion protocol. As it stands, all five players appear to be on track to play on Sunday.
“Looks like Paschal has had a pretty good week so far. Reader too, Levi too, Decker too. “Mac approved the protocol, so I think we’re going in the right direction with all these guys,” Campbell said. “Today will definitely be the icing on the cake with these guys, so that’s good. It’s been a good week for us.
The Lions’ overtime, even though it only lasted a few days, played a major role in allowing the team to recover. In addition to aiding the recovery process for injured players, it also allowed Detroit to conduct a traditional week of practice after two Thursday games disrupted the usual flow.
“It was like a mini goodbye, catch your breath for a minute,” Campbell said. “We were able to come back and do some of the things we were doing before we entered the period we were in, and got some critical work done. We know the opponent we are about to face. It’s a very good team. They play top-level football so we have to be on our game, but we’re looking forward to it.
The bills “will be ready” despite the cancellation of training
Due to inclement weather near their team facility, the Buffalo Bills canceled their Thursday practice and opted to meet virtually. While this puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to practice time, Campbell doesn’t expect the canceled practice to have any major effects on the outcome of Sunday’s game.
“I don’t put anything into it. I think during COVID, I don’t even know if we practiced in New Orleans one week and went out and put 30. No, I didn’t put anything in there,” said Campbell. “This team will be ready, everything is fine. And guess what? If we couldn’t practice, we would be ready. We will find a way. They’ll be good, they’ll be ready, they’ll narrow the plan down to where they can play fast and allow their guys to do what they need to or use what they did last week. Everything will be fine for them, we know they will do their best. We will have a team ready to go.
Trevor Nowaske ruled out against Bills
The Lions ruled linebacker Trevor Nowaske out of Sunday’s game as Dan Campbell said the linebacker would not be able to clear concussion protocol in time to play. Nowaske was not listed on the injury report Wednesday, but was not a participant Thursday.
“No, I don’t see Nowaske playing this week. It came over us,” Campbell said. “It’s something that doesn’t make him feel good, so he’s in the protocol and he’ll be fine.”
Nowaske saw an increase in snaps during the season as he was a valuable member of the rotation Detroit used at linebacker. With Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez all injured, the Lions’ linebacker corps has taken a hit this season.
The Saginaw Valley sophomore product recorded 17 total tackles with 11 solos. He also has two sacks and an interception against Tennessee.
With Nowaske sidelined, the Lions could look to get more snaps for new additions Kwon Alexander and Jamal Adams, as well as Ezekiel Turner alongside starter Jack Campbell.
This article was produced by Detroit Lions On SI staff. To learn more, visit si.com/nfl/lions
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