Detroit Lions Week 9 injury report: Detroit shorthanded at running back

It’s been a rough go for Detroit Lions running backs in 2019. Kerryon Johnson is on injured reserve. C.J. Anderson lasted all of two weeks on the active roster before the Lions cut him. Meanwhile, the Lions have shuffled guys like David Williams, Nick Brossette, Paul Perkins, Wes Hills and Tra Carson on and off the roster.

At the moment, the Lions have just three running backs on the active 53-man roster: rookie Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic and Tra Carson. And according to Thursday’s injury report, Carson is ailing from a hamstring injury.

Carson was awarded to the Lions via waivers two weeks ago and was the team’s starting back in Sunday’s game against the New York Giants—Detroit’s first since Kerryon Johnson’s injury. Carson carried the ball just times for just 34 yards (2.8 YPC) in that game.

If Carson’s injury lingers into the weekend and he’s not able to play, the Lions will likely have to do some maneuvering to add another running back to their stable. They do have Wes Hills on their practice squad, and they could also bring back Paul Perkins, who was released on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Damon Harrison Sr. had his veteran rest day on Thursday, while Darius Slay and Graham Glasgow were limited in their participation for Thursday’s practice.

On the Raiders’ side, both starting center Rodney Harris and his backup Andre James did not appear to be at Thursday’s practice. Head coach Jon Gruden said that if both could not go on Sunday, Richie Incognito would slide in from guard to center.

Below are the injury reports for both teams. As of now, I have the Raiders’ Wednesday report, since they have not yet released their Thursday version.

Lions injury report

S Tracy Walker (knee) - No practice
DT Damon Harrison Sr. (groin/veteran rest) - No practice
G Graham Glasgow (back) - Limited practice
RB Tra Carson (hamstring) - Limited
DT Mike Daniels (foot) - Limited practice
CB Amani Oruwariye (knee) - Limited practice
CB Darius Slay (hamstring) - Limited practice
DT Da’Shawn Hand (excuse absence) - Full practice
QB Matthew Stafford (hip) - Full practice

Raiders injury report (from Wednesday):

WR Dwayne Harris (foot) - No practice
C Rodney Hudson (ankle) - No practice
C Andre James (ankle) - No practice
DE Josh Mauro (groin) - No practice
RB Josh Jacobs (shoulder) - Limited
LB Tahir Whitehead (wrist/shoulder) - Limited
WR Tyrell Williams (foot) - Limited
OT Trent Brown (calf) - Full practice
G Gabe Jackson (knee) - Full