The Lions’ first injury report of the week comes with the usual Thursday-night caveat: everything is compressed, everything is a little murkier, and the early practice design doesn’t tell the full story.
Detroit is getting ready for Buffalo in Week 2, and Thursday’s matchup at Highmark Stadium will be the first game ever played there. Because it’s a short week, the Lions opened with a walkthrough on Monday and are expected to keep things light the rest of the way. That means the participation labels are estimates, not a clean snapshot of a normal practice day.
Even so, the report still gives a useful look at where things stand.
The biggest concern on Detroit’s side is up front. Left guard Christian Mahogany, who left in Week 1 after just 11 plays, was listed as not practicing Monday because of a hip injury.
Mahogany was hurt while pulling on a run play, tripped as he moved, and landed awkwardly before exiting for the rest of the game. After the win, Dan Campbell said initial tests were negative, though more testing was still needed.
With the short week, the Lions may have to lean on Be Bartch again at left guard.
Right tackle Blake Miller is also on the no-practice list with a knee injury, and that one was new. Miller didn’t appear to get hurt during the game, so this may be more of a postgame issue or a precautionary move. Campbell is expected to address it later today.
Detroit also had one player listed as limited: center Juice Scruggs, who is dealing with a knee injury that was previously undisclosed. More details should come once Campbell speaks.
There was better news elsewhere on the roster. Defensive back Christian Izien was estimated as a full participant after missing Week 1 with a groin injury.
Izien told reporters last Friday that he felt good, though his availability was still in the hands of the trainers. The Lions held him out against the Saints, but they had clearly been considering getting him back in the mix, and a full practice estimate is a strong sign for this week.
Several Lions who were on last week’s report are no longer listed: EDGE Derrick Moore, DL Mekhi Wingo, LB Trevor Nowaske, LB Jimmy Rolder, CB Keith Abney, CB Ennis Rakestraw and S Thomas Harper. All are expected to be available Thursday.
Detroit also still has five players in designated injury categories, none of whom saw a change: RB Isiah Pacheco and C Cade Mays are on injured reserve, OL Giovanni Manu is on NFI, and safeties Brian Branch and Kerny Joseph are on PUP. All five must miss at least the first four games of the season.
Buffalo’s first report of the week was shorter. Running back Ty Johnson, defensive lineman T.J.
Sanders and linebacker Terrel Bernard were all limited. There was no additional practice designation listed in the source material.
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