Detroit Lions Week 8 injury report: AJ Parker, Jerry Jacobs miss practice on Thursday

After running a walkthrough on Wednesday, the Detroit Lions were back in pads on the practice field on Thursday as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. There was some optimism earlier in the week, with everyone projected to practice on Wednesday, but that mirage quickly subsided on Thursday when two starting corners were absent.

But first, let’s take a quick look at the Lions’ designated to return from injured reserve players.

Returned to practice, Still on IR

• LT Taylor Decker (finger) — Day 16 of the 21-day evaluation period
• DL Kevin Strong (thigh) — Day 16 of the 21-day evaluation period
• DL Da’Shawn Hand (groin) — Day 9 of the 21-day evaluation period

Decker was not at practice again today, marking the sixth practice in a row he has missed. Not ideal. The Lions still have an open spot on their roster, and even if Decker doesn’t appear ready to step into it, it’s possible either Hand or Strong will be ready to do so this weekend.

Now, Let’s take a closer look at the official injury report for Thursday.

No practice

• CB AJ Parker (neck)
• CB Jerry Jacobs (illness)

As Jeremy Reisman pointed out earlier this afternoon, the Lions cornerback depth chart is getting woefully thin, and the team may turn to yet another undrafted rookie to man a starting role.

Ideally, Jacobs illness will pass by this weekend and he will be ready to maintain a starting role.

Limited practice

• TE T.J. Hockenson (knee/ankle)
• RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
• RB Jamaal Williams (thigh)
• EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)

Williams is a new addition to the report today. It’s possible this was a lingering issue that showed up after the game, or that he injured it in today’s practice. Unfortunately we won’t know until tomorrow.

Par for the course with the remaining trio. Each has seen limited practices the last several weeks but have been able to contribute their typical amount on game days.

Full practice

• FB Jason Cabinda (hip)

A full practice for Cabinda confirms Wednesday’s projection and is a good sign for his availability on Sunday. Even though his offensive snaps have been limited recently, he is still a force on special teams.