Report: Detroit Lions placing CB Justin Coleman on IR

The Detroit Lions are placing nickel cornerback Justin Coleman on injured reserve, as first reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Coleman suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the season opener against the Chicago Bears after getting tangled up with Anthony MIller. He did not return to the game.

Per new NFL rules, Coleman is eligible to return after just three weeks now, meaning the Lions could potentially have him back after their Week 5 bye week. And according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, that’s exactly the hope.

“The hope is he’s ready to return when he’s eligible in three weeks,” Pelissero tweeted Tuesday morning.

On Sunday, Coleman was replaced by Darryl Roberts. Then, when Desmond Trufant also suffered a hamstring injury, Roberts kicked it outside and special teamer Tony McRae played the nickel role. In the fourth quarter, with the Lions reeling from injuries, Mitchell Trubisky threw three touchdowns, including the game winner.

The statuses of Trufant and rookie Jeff Okudah—who missed the opener with a hamstring injury of his own—are still unknown, but the Lions are reportedly working out a few cornerbacks this week—including Jaylen Watkins—and seem likely to add one.

The Lions first injury report of the week is due on Wednesday afternoon.