The Detroit Lions (3-2) will host the Green Bay Packers (4-2) in Week 7, and both teams are taking slightly different approaches to practices to start the week.
Following their Week 6 bye, the Lions adjusted their schedule by practicing on Tuesday and giving players Wednesday off. This means that the participation levels for this preliminary practice are only estimates based on what the coaching staff projects that each player can accomplish in a full practice. Meanwhile, the Packers played Sunday night in Week 6 and kept their regular practice schedule, but also conducted their own walkthrough.
Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s injury report and bring you up to date with what we know.
Note: Any changes from the most recent damage report will be in bold.
On Monday, coach Dan Campbell told the media that the plan is to activate Mays and Branch to the 53-man roster this week, but it was unclear how much could play against the Packers. Branch is expected to be “handled a little bit,” but may not be able to play the entire game, while Mays is expected to start based on Campbell’s comments on Wednesday: “We really worked Cade yesterday. He got some quality reps, and we wanted to test him here.”
Branch’s safety running mate, Kerby Joseph, also got some positive news this week, as Campbell said Tuesday that he still expects the All-Pro safety to return to play this season. While there is still no timetable for his return, this was the first positive update we got from the coaches surrounding Joseph’s status and was quickly followed by more great videos posted on Joseph’s social media accounts.
Additional quick update:
Approximate limited practice
Ya-Sin was injured on special teams in Week 4, missed the Lions’ game in Week 5, but was able to be healthy enough to practice bye and return to the practice field on Tuesday. While he’s out of the starting lineup on defense, he’s been a solid contributor on multiple special teams stints and could bolster multiple spots if he returns to game action.
As mentioned above, Mays and Branch are on track to return and start this week.
No longer on the damage report
Wonnum also managed to play in Week 5 (50% of defensive snaps), but it’s unclear if his snaps were reduced a tick due to injury or schematic approach. His injury didn’t seem to limit him too much, considering he still registered two sacks in the game.