Despite having to play extra time to get a tough win, the Lions exited the Rams game in very good shape and there are no medical concerns for me at this time. Here are my initial thoughts on players that may have suffered injuries during the game, along with the time stamp for the injury.
Carlton Davis 4q 00:11
Davis was a concern when he left the game after going down at the end of regulation. There was only one defensive play after that, which made it hard to assess the severity.
On video, after Davis let the ball slip through his hands, he landed hard on his elbow which could have caused the wind to be knocked out of him. The worse case would be a rib cartilage or ab injury. No concerns for an elbow injury as it was protectively flexed at time of impact.
After the game, Davis confirmed to Colton Pouncy that it was just wind and he is fine.
Carlton Davis video. Reportedly is fine so likely just wind. pic.twitter.com/cViwrIGAem
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 9, 2024
Jameson Williams 2q 4:53
On video, Williams’ left high ankle was mildly tweaked due to a slight external rotation. He continued to play with no ill effects, although he did make the Rams feel sick in the 3rd quarter with a 52-yard TD catch.
Jamo might need some extra rest this week but should be full-go vs the Bucs. With the Bucs secondary suffering multiple significant injuries this past weekend, Williams may be headed for another big day.
Jameson Williams should be fine rest of game despite left high ankle sprain mechanism. Very benign on video. pic.twitter.com/Kaj5hBdXQV
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 9, 2024
Penei Sewell 1q 3:09
Obscured video showed Sewell possibly getting his right leg rolled up on which can cause a high ankle sprain. He limped a bit but missed no plays. After the game, he was walking up the tunnel with no obvious limp and there was no report of seeing him in a walking boot.
Recall last year that Taylor Decker and Jonah Jackson both suffered high ankle injuries and finished the game, but were seen in a walking boot afterwards and missed multiple games. Early signs are good that Sewell avoided significant injury and very likely will be available vs the Bucs.
Penei Sewell rolled up on in 1qtr. Might have R high ankle. He’s playing thru but something to monitor. pic.twitter.com/jSbu9pAP8s
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 9, 2024
Brian Branch 4q 13:24
No good replays here but the game video showed Branch taking a hard hit possibly to the left side of his head. He missed no plays, but a mild concussion is possible.
As is often the case with mild “bell rung” concussions, it requires the patient to report symptoms for a diagnosis to be made by a doctor. I’m not expecting Branch to miss any time unless he self-reports symptoms.
Here is the Branch video. May have taken a hit to the side of the head. Mild concussion possible but no signs of it on video. Not concerned he will miss any time unless he self-reports symptoms. pic.twitter.com/g5oxW3CV3B
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 9, 2024
Terrion Arnold 3q 5:13
Video showed Arnold lying on his back possibly with pain to the left hip or leg but hard to say. I reviewed that play along with all the previous plays of that drive and there were no signs of injury, although TV angles are notorious for not showing the secondary.
He missed two plays and finished the game with no problems.
Here is Arnold down with possibly a left leg issue but hard to say. I reviewed that play and all previous plays on the drive and didn’t see an injury. Only missed 2 plays. Minimal concern. pic.twitter.com/99vFZPi7ba
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 9, 2024
Alex Anzalone 3q 6:30
Anzalone was briefly down after getting awkwardly sandwiched while making a tackle. His right knee did land hard but he missed no plays and nothing is too concerning on video. Of note, he has had a chronic right shoulder issue since his college days and always wears a shoulder brace.
Dan Campbell Monday press conference tidbits
DJ Reader is on track to play this Sunday vs the Bucs. There were no other medical updates or surprises.
