The Lions’ trip to Miami comes with a familiar midweek wrinkle: the injury report is doing a lot of the talking. Detroit held a walkthrough on Wednesday, so the participation labels are estimates, but there were still a few notable updates as the team turned its attention to the Dolphins.
The biggest name on the report is Brian Branch, who was listed as limited. That’s a positive sign after going through the NFL’s structured concussion protocol, and it at least keeps the door open for this week. The same can’t be said for Kerby Joseph, who Dan Campbell already ruled out for Miami while he continues to work his way back into football activity.
“We’re going to try and give him some scout team reps. He’s not going to play this game,” Campbell said.
“I know that (question) was coming. He’s not playing vs.
Miami. He’s just going to get some reps in practice.”
Detroit also listed several players as not practicing. Starting center Frank Ragnow was not on the field because of a “low” ankle injury, and Campbell said that missing Wednesday was planned while Thursday could also be in jeopardy.
The Lions are preparing to use Juice Scruggs against Miami if needed. Marcus Davenport was also out while in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and Terrion Arnold did not practice after leaving the Vikings game late, though he was available in the locker room afterward.
Among the limited group, Isaac Saylors showed up with a neck issue after dealing with one last week as well. Amon-Ra St.
Brown was limited with a rib injury after briefly leaving Sunday’s game against Minnesota before returning. Trevor Ogbongbemiga was also limited with a toe injury, and Detroit may need him more on special teams this week, with Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske expected to take on larger defensive roles.
There was also movement on the injury list itself. Jimmy Rolder’s hamstring injury is now being treated as season-ending, with the rookie shut down for the rest of the year after getting hurt last Sunday.
The encouraging part is that he should be able to return in 2027. Elsewhere, the updated injury list notes that Isiah Pacheco is expected out until December, Giovanni Manu remains eligible to begin practicing at any time, Ben Bartch and Devin White can begin practicing in Week 10, Thomas Harper is eligible to begin practicing at any time, and Kerby Joseph’s injury evaluation clock has started.
Jack Campbell’s situation remains a separate storyline. He released a statement on Wednesday saying:
“I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body.
I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.”
Campbell is still on the 53-man roster and has not been placed on injured reserve.
Detroit did clear a few names from the report. Rock Ya-Sin, Jahmyr Gibbs, Tyleik Williams, Ennis Rakestraw and Roger McCreary are no longer listed.
Miami’s first injury report was also busy. Jaylen Wright did not practice because of a quad injury.
Kaytron Allen, Will Kaçmarek, Zach Sieler, Chop Robinson, Malik Herring, Michael Taaffe, Dante Trader and Tucker Addington were limited. Malik Willis, Kayden Proctor and Reese Taylor all practiced fully.
In Other News...
Lions May Finally Be Forced To Test Ahmed Hassanein
Ahmed Hassanein has spent this season on the Lions 53-man roster without getting into a game, which is a little surprising for a young pass rusher who flashed enough in the preseason to make people take notice. He brought pressure, finished plays and looked like the kind of developmental edge defender Detroit would want to keep close, even if the regular-season path to snaps has been crowded.
Now the door may be opening a bit. With D.J. Wonnum working through concussion protocol, the Lions could be looking for another body on the edge, and Aidan Hutchinson has already pointed to Hassanein as someone who may be ready for a chance. For a player who has been waiting on the sideline after earning his roster spot, this could be the week Detroit finally finds out what it has. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Have A Linebacker Depth Issue They Must Address
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One of the names tied to the fix is Owen Pappoe, who was recently released by the Titans after previously being waived by the Cardinals. The roster shuffle has already included placing Rolder on injured reserve and waiving safety Bishop Fitzgerald, though the corresponding moves are still waiting on official announcement. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Have A Linebacker Problem They Can't Ignore
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Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have been working through the roster with that urgency in mind, knowing the depth chart can change quickly this time of year. With Jimmy Rolder unavailable and Jack Campbell also dealing with an injury, Detroit is left searching for answers while trying to preserve enough flexibility to get through the next stretch. [Read more 🡒]
