Report: X-rays negative on Rick Wagner’s ankle, more tests coming

While we were all eagerly awaiting news on Matthew Stafford’s hand injury, the Detroit Lions suffered what appeared to be a much more serious injury to their offensive line. Right tackle Rick Wagner left the game with a leg injury in the first half and did not return. Wagner was carted off the field, which is never a good sign.

However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there’s some good news:

While Wagner’s injury could still be very serious, and his availability for the rest of the year is very much in question, the fact that he did not suffer a fracture should come as a big relief.

Wagner has had a tough first year in Detroit. He has had to battle through multiple ankle injuries, a shoulder issue and now back problems. Despite that, he has started every game this season and played in 93 percent of all offensive snaps this year.

The Lions invested $47.5 million in Wagner over five seasons, so the long-term health of their right tackle is immensely important. If the MRI comes up clear, the Lions will have avoided a major roadblock in their attempts to finally fix their offensive line and get their running game going.