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The Detroit Lions were back at practice on Wednesday, and while they were missing a handful of players, focus was more on the coaching staff. Several of the Lions coaches are in the middle of a quarantine, having been labeled as close-contact with an unnamed Lions staffer who has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to several reporters on hand, the Lions were missing the following coaches from practice: interim head coach Darrell Bevell, defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, linebackers coach Ty McKenzie, and defensive backs coach Steve Gregory. So pretty much every position coach on defense.
As pointed out by the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, the Lions do have experienced coaches that can address each position group still available:
Warren, by the way, was a volunteer assistant last year, doing a full internship now. Did play 10 years as a DL at least.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 23, 2020
Thomas has past experience as a LBs coach, Carter previously coached CBs, so at least all the position groups are covered.
The news wasn’t much better for the Lions players, though. Kicker Matt Prater was added to the report with a back injury, and he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Left tackle Taylor Decker was downgraded from a limited participant to a non-participant.
The only real good news to report is that Mike Ford upgraded to a full participant and Halapoulivaati Vaitai returned to practice (limited) after being out with a concussion.
Here’s a full look at the injury report:
Lions Wednesday injury report;
OT Tyrell Crosby (ankle) - No practice
WR Kenny Golladay (hip) - No practice
C Frank Ragnow (throat) - No practice
OT Taylor Decker (groin) - No practice *downgrade*
LB Jamie Collins Sr. (neck) - No practice
K Matt Prater (back) - No practice *new injury*
OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (concussion) - Limited *upgrade*
CB Darryl Roberts (hip) - Limited
QB Matthew Stafford (rib/thumb) - Limited
CB Mike Ford (foot) - Full practice *upgrade*
DE Julian Okwara (knee) - Full practice *first injury report since off IR*
Bucs Wednesday injury report
QB Tom Brady (not injury related) - No practice
CB Carlton Davis (groin) - No practice
LB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) - Limited
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (shoulder) - Limited *upgrade*