Detroit Lions Week 14 injury report: Matthew Stafford sits, D-Line is finally healthy

While Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford remains on the 53-man roster, it doesn’t look like the franchise quarterback will be returning to the playing field this week.

Stafford was, again, sidelined for Wednesday’s practice, the fourth straight week he has been out since his back injury against the Oakland Raiders. Earlier in the week, Patricia explained why Stafford remains on the 53-man roster, despite the fact that Detroit is out of the playoff race and Stafford hasn’t played in a month.

“We’re obviously going to keep that door open and see what happens here with all of the stuff that we’re doing with the doctors and everything from that standpoint,” Patricia said. “Out of respect for Matthew and his competitiveness and what he means to this team and what he brings every single week, we’re just going to kind of take it week-by-week and see what happens from that standpoint.”

However, the Lions are actually getting a little healthier elsewhere. Cornerback Rashaan Melvin returned to practice after missing last week due to a rib injury. Returner Jamal Agnew practiced for the first time in two weeks after suffering an ankle injury against the Cowboys.

Additionally, the Lions’ defensive line could potentially play together for the first time all year. There has not been a single game in which Mike Daniels, Da’Shawn Hand, Trey Flowers, Damon Harrison Sr. and A’Shawn Robinson have all been active. Only Da’Shawn Hand (limited) and Damon Harrison Sr. (full) were on Wednesday’s injury report.

The Vikings, coming off a “Monday Night Football” game, simply held a walkthrough. Their injury report is listed below.

Lions injury report:

QB Matthew Stafford (hip/back) - No practice
CB Jamal Agnew (ankle) - Limited practice
DT Da’Shawn Hand (ankle) - Limited practice
P Sam Martin (abdomen) - Limited practice
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs) - Limited practice
DT Damon Harrison Sr. (calf/knee) - Full practice

Vikings injury report:

LT Riley Reiff (concussion) - No practice
DT Linval Joseph (knee) - No practice
WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) - No practice
RB Dalvin Cook (chest) - Limited
DE Everson Griffen (knee) - Limited
LB Eric Wilson (shoulder) - Limited
S Harrison Smith (hamstring) - Limited
DT Shamar Stephen (knee) - Limited