Detroit Lions training camp injury updates: Jefferson, Perriman trending in right direction

The Detroit Lions ran a glorified walkthrough on Wednesday morning. They weren’t in full pads, much of the practice was spent on special teams, most team drills were at about 50 percent speed, and the practice ended about 30 minutes early compared to a normal day.

So while there were no true observations to be had from Day 13 of training camp, there were some notable news based on the participation of some players. In total, there were 12 players that did not take place in Wednesday’s practice, but there were a few players who seem to be progressing and could even play in Friday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Here’s the participation report (based on observations) from Wednesday:

Unable to practice

New additions are listed in bold.

• RB Michael Warren II (waived/injured on Wednesday)
• RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
• OL Tyrell Crosby (Grade-1 hamstring)
• DT Nick Williams (COVID-19 list) was added Saturday morning
• DT Levi Onwuzurike (back tightness, per Campbell)
• DT John Penisini (undisclosed)
• CB Quinton Dunbar (personal issue)
• CB Corn Elder (Injured on Friday)
• WR Quintez Cephus (head)
• WR Damion Ratley (undisclosed)
• WR Chad Hansen (undisclosed)
• TE T.J. Hockenson (undisclosed) — Dan Campbell called his injury “minor”
• DT Da’Shawn Hand (lower body) — Campbell, too, said his injury is “minor”

All three players who stopped practice early on Tuesday did not participate on Wednesday. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said both Hockenson and Hand were dealing with minor injuries, but we did not get an update on Chad Hansen.

D’Andre Swift was not at practice after doing some work on Tuesday, while Michael Warren, who was waived with an injury designation right Wednesday morning, was replaced by Javon Leake after this morning’s transaction. Some reporters noticed that Warren was actually out there at the beginning of practice. Awkward.

No sign of Levi Onwuzurike, either. Campbell noted that the rookie defensive tackle has visited a few specialists about injuries dating from his time at Washington, specifically his back. The plan this week was to get the rest of his rehab and strength building up and return to practice next week.

Limited during practice

• RB Jermar Jefferson (Injured ankle on Monday)
• DT Michael Brockers (vet rest)
• OG Tommy Kraemer
• CB Nickell Robey-Coleman

Jermar Jefferson returning to the practice field is big news after a scare during Monday’s indoor practice. He didn’t participate during team drills and playing on Friday seems unlikely, but he’s trending in the right direction, and it appears he won’t miss much time.

Robey-Coleman continues to be in the acclimation period, while Brockers continues to get the veteran treatment.

Increased participation levels at practice

• DT Kevin Strong

Despite leaving practice with a noticeable limp, Strong appeared to be a full participant at practice on Wednesday.

• LB Derrick Barnes (minor hamstring)

Not only did Barnes have a full practice, but he confirmed with the media that he will be playing in Friday’s preseason opener.

• WR Breshad Perriman (hip)

Perriman wasn’t a full participant in practice yet, but he did go through a few team drills, though they were the walkthrough variety. He and Quintez Cephus spent a lot of the practice sprinting on the sidelines, along with Damion Ratley.