Detroit Lions Week 17 Thursday injury report: Rick Wagner returns to practice

As the Detroit Lions prepare to face off against the Green Bay Packers for their season finale, it appears they could be slightly healthier than expected.

On Thursday, starting right tackle Rick Wagner returned to practice for the first time in a week. Wagner suffered a knee injury in Week 14’s game against the Minnesota Vikings and has not played since. 2018 fifth-round pick Tyrell Crosby has played in his place and done an adequate job.

But with the Packers’ threatening pass rush of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, the Lions could use all the pass protection they could get for Sunday. As of right now, the Packers have the 10th-best pass rush win rate, per ESPN, with Za’Darius individually holding the 10th-best rate among all edge rushers.

There were a few other changes to Thursday’s injury report. Most notably, Taylor Decker improved from limited to full participation, and Steve Longa was added to the report with a quad injury. With Christian Jones, Jarrad Davis and Jahlani Tavai already on IR, Detroit is already very shorthanded at the linebacker position. Longa’s injury further complicates the team’s depth.

Here’s the full injury report from Thursday:

Lions injury report (Thursday)

DT A’Shawn Robinson (shoulder) - No practice
DT Damon Harrison Sr. (knee/calf/veteran day off) - No practice
RT Rick Wagner (knee) - Limited practice

LB Devon Kennard (shoulder) - Limited practice

LB Steve Longa (quad) - Limited practice
S Tavon Wilson (hamstring) - Limited practice

LT Taylor Decker (ankle) - Limited practice