On Wednesday the Detroit Lions returned to practice in preparation for Sunday’s game against the division-leading Minnesota Vikings. This game is crucial in terms of the Lions’ chances of making a postseason run, as the team has already lost two divisional games this year.
The good news for Detroit is their roster is inching closer and closer to full health. Wednesday, Darius Slay returned to practice in a limited fashion after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Although the Vikings don’t have an amazing passing attack, the Lions defense needs every bit of help they can get, and missing their No. 1 cornerback would only make a bad defense worse.
Additionally, it looks like the Lions may be getting a few players back that have missed the entire season thus far. Brandon Pettigrew, who was placed on the PUP list after tearing his ACL in December, was seen on the sidelines along with linebacker Jon Bostic, who was placed on injured reserved at the beginning of the season:
TE Brandon Pettigrew & LB Jon Bostic were working with trainers off to the side
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 2, 2016
The fact that they were even at the open portion of practice is a huge step in the right direction for both players, even though they currently remain off of the active roster.
It wasn’t all great news for the Lions, however. Riley Reiff missed another practice due to illness. Reiff played through his illness Sunday against the Texans, but had to be taken out for a few series and his overall performance was subpar. Also, DeAndre Levy remains out with his knee/quad issue.
The only new addition to the report for the Lions was Taylor Decker with a rib injury. He was still able to participate in a limited fashion, so there is no reason for concern at the moment.
The Vikings, too, returned to practice on Wednesday, despite playing on Monday night. Their offensive line, already in shambles, looks like it could take another hit this week. Starting left guard Alex Boone is going through concussion protocol. However, running back Jerick McKinnon, who missed last week with an ankle injury said he expects to play against the Lions. However, he did not end up practicing on Wednesday.
The full injury report is below:
Detroit Lions injury report 11/2/16
LB DeAndre Levy (knee/quad) - No practice
T Riley Reiff (illness) - No practice
CB Darius Slay (hamstring) - Limited practice
DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) - Limited practice
CB Adairius Barnes (hamstring) - Limited practice
T Taylor Decker (ribs) - Limited practice
WR Marvin Jones (foot) - Limited practice
DT Haloti Ngata (shoulder) - Limited practice
RB Theo Riddick (ankle) - Limited practice
T Corey Robinson (ankle) - Full practice
Minnesota Vikings injury report 11/2/16
G Alex Boone (concussion/shoulder/knee) - No practice
LB Eric Kendricks (concussion) - No practice
DT Tom Johnson (concussion) - No practice
G Zac Kerin (hand) - No practice
RB Jerick McKinnon (ankle) - No practice
DT Sharrif Floyd (knee) - No practice
CB Xavier Rhodes (calf) - Limited practice
CB Captain Munnerlyn (foot) - Limited practice
LB Anthony Barr (groin) - Limited practice
CB Marcus Sherels (wrist) - Limited practice
S Andrew Sendejo (ankle) - Limited practice
LB Audie Cole (finger) - Full practice
WR Jarius Wright (ankle) - Full practice
TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) - Full practice