After enjoying a stress-free weekend of playoff football, the intensity dramatically ramps up this week as the Washington Commanders prepare to invade Detroit on Saturday night.
Let’s take a look at the injured Lions who might be available for the team’s first playoff game, as well as what to look for on the initial practice report.
LIKELY TO PLAY
David Montgomery – right MCL, December 15
Montgomery is likely to play on Saturday night which will be 5 weeks post-injury. Today, Campbell stated: “There will be a place for him in this game… it’s going to be good to get him back.”
Expect at least an LP (limited practice) on the first practice report.
David Montgomery R knee injury video
-Unclear moment of injury
-1st clip is suspicious play when leg gets tangled up. Stayed in.
-Next carry R leg appears to give out
-Returned after halftime with knee wrap and finished game. No sig concern but worth watching. pic.twitter.com/9wM2BOLmOD— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 16, 2024
Levi Onwuzurike – right ankle, January 5
Onwuzurike had a heavy wrap on the right ankle during the last game and limped off the field with trainers at one point. He finished the game logging 74% of snaps which is reassuring, but it’s something to monitor on the practice report. Hopefully, he doesn’t even show up on the report.
Levi Onwuzurike R leg injury video
-Uncertain injury. May have occurred offscreen. Appears to be reaching for R ankle. Already a R knee brace and R ankle wrap so may have aggravated existing injury.
-Returned to game pic.twitter.com/r08Tt8nUCN— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
QUESTIONABLE TO PLAY
Terrion Arnold – right foot, January 5
The injury has been reported as a foot contusion by Ian Rapaport which is close to the best case outcome versus a significant sprain or fracture. Arnold has been in good spirits since the injury, and all early signs are positive. There is a good chance he’ll be ready for Saturday.
Hope for at least an LP on the first practice report which would suggest he’s on track to play.
Terrion Arnold right foot injury video
-Comes down hard with hyperextended toes and foot also twists
-Hope just mild hyperextended toes (turf toe) pic.twitter.com/szb3121vLR— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 23
After going on IR, Rakestraw’s practice window opened January 9 which was 7 weeks post-injury. For hamstrings, a gradual ramp-up can help prevent an aggravation. He’ll have two weeks of practice before the game which could be enough.
He’ll have at least an LP on the first practice report, but if he can manage an FP (full practice), there’s a good chance he’s available Saturday.
Kevin Zeitler – right hamstring, January 5
Early reports from Dan Campbell last week implied that the hamstring injury was mild. Like with Rakestraw, a hamstring strain benefits from a gradual ramp-up.
An LP or FP on the initial report would be a good sign for his availability on Saturday.
Kevin Zeitler right hamstring injury video
-Heavy limp afterwards. Did not return.
-Return depends on severity. Could be multiple weeks. pic.twitter.com/cuJmhxAFqi— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
UNLIKELY TO PLAY
Pat O’Connor – calf, January 5
Likely this is a calf strain and Dan Campbell’s comments from last week were very pessimistic. Expect an NP (no practice) for most or all of this week. If he does make it to an LP or better, that would be a good sign he might be back at some point in these playoffs.
Pat O’Connor calf injury video
-Officially a calf. Can’t see much on vid though.
-Appeared to me reaching for right leg. pic.twitter.com/J7EAJEArYC— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
WON’T PLAY THIS WEEK BUT MAYBE LATER
Aidan Hutchinson – left tib/fib fracture, October 13
No change in status for Hutchinson as he continues his rehab while on IR. Dan Campbell last week was not optimistic, but I think there is still a decent chance of a limited return for the Super Bowl which is 17 weeks post-injury.
Hope to see Hutchinson’s 21-day practice window opened next week.
Having Aidan Hutchinson in your ear can make a difference. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/66EH839JlZ
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 6, 2025
Carlton Davis – jaw fracture, December 15
The initial estimate for Davis was that he had a chance to be back for the conference championship game which would be 6 weeks post-injury. Last week however, Dan Campbell strongly suggested Davis was out for the season.
Davis is on IR so watch to see if his 21-day practice window opens in the next couple weeks.
Carlton Davis jaw injury video
-Came out 2x, maybe related
-In 1st qtr, blow to L head. Grabs facemask after. Returned after 1 play.
-In 2nd qtr, presumably hits L head on tackle. Trainers looking at L jaw. Did not return. pic.twitter.com/GDcwYFURVv— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 16, 2024
