The Detroit Lions finished the week with a Friday practice that had a little more bite to it. There were scrimmage elements, plenty of contact, and a heavier load for some starters after the lighter walkthrough Wednesday and Thursday session.
But the bigger story was who wasn’t out there.
Jahmyr Gibbs, fresh off finalizing a three-year contract extension on Thursday, did not practice as he continued working on the side with trainers. Gibbs had not been on the field for any of the team’s practices before Thursday, so this looks like part of a ramp-up process, with next week appearing to be a possible return window.
The Lions were also without cornerback D.J. Reed for a second straight day for undisclosed reasons. His status could be addressed over the weekend when Dan Campbell speaks again.
Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater missed his second consecutive practice for undisclosed reasons as well, which meant Luke Altmyer handled a heavy share of second- and third-team reps. Running back Isiah Pacheco also sat out for the second day in a row.
Tight end Tyler Conklin, recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, was on the side with Gibbs, also seemingly in acclimation mode. The two were reportedly catching passes from assistant coach Bruce Gradkowski.
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch spent much of the session working off to the side too. Bartch, who entered camp as a contender for the left guard job, is still working back from the injury that ended his season last year.
The injury list kept growing on defense. Linebackers Jimmy Rolder, dealing with a hamstring issue, and Malcolm Rodriguez, who has an ankle injury, were sidelined again. Rolder is expected to miss a significant amount of time, while Rodriguez hasn’t had an update since leaving practice early Wednesday.
Detroit has already moved to protect itself at linebacker, signing veteran Troy Reeder on the eve of camp and then adding Devin White after Rolder went down.
There were more absences on the defensive line, too. Payton Turner and Derrick Moore remain out, with Turner sidelined since a back injury on the first day of practice and Moore originally expected to miss between a week and 10 days because of a groin injury.
Defensive tackles Mekhi Wingo and Aidan Keanaaina also missed practice for the first time. Wingo had left Thursday’s workout early to be evaluated for a groin injury, while Keanaaina’s issue was listed as undisclosed.
Running back Sione Vaki is still out with a broken nose and eye injury.
The Lions also made a roster move, waiving undrafted defensive back De'Shawn Rucker with an injury designation after he left Thursday’s practice to be checked for an ankle injury.
Detroit has Saturday off before returning to the field Sunday. The preseason opener comes Thursday at the Cincinnati Bengals.
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