EVERYEN PARK With three starters expected to return for their upcoming game, the Detroit Lions are in a strong position heading into their bye week, sitting in first place.
Running back David Montgomery (ribs), center Frank Ragnow (toe) and guard Jonah Jackson (ankle) were estimated as full participants on Wednesday. It’s worth noting the Lions didn’t practice today, hence the estimated participation.
Running back David Montgomery (ribs), center Frank Ragnow (toe) and guard Jonah Jackson (ankle) were estimated as full participants on Wednesday. It’s worth noting the Lions didn’t practice today, hence the estimated participation.
Montgomery’s return would bolster the team’s backfield after two impressive showings from Jahmyr Gibbs. The rookie running back totaled 315 scrimmage yards through the last two games, so it’ll be interesting to see how those touches are split with Montgomery’s bell-cow status before the injury.
Dan Campbell said Montgomery was getting treatment on Wednesday, and that the running back hadn’t suffered any setbacks. The Lions head coach sounded optimistic about his progress, saying the next two days are crucial.
“Yeah, I mean, I think certainly we know what David can do,” Campbell said, “but we know that Gibbs has gotten better every week, so we’re going to ask those guys to do things they do well and that helps our offense move the football.
“So, I don’t think necessarily sitting here talking to you right now, that I see Gibbs getting 65 plays. I don’t see that, but he’s going to get his fair share. We know what he can be and he’s growing. I think it’ll be a little bit by committee and make sure we get those guys touches. Gibbs will get his touches.”
And Campbell added that “barring no setbacks” Ragnow and Jackson should be back in the lineup. Graham Glasgow got the start at center with Ragnow out. And he’s taken the starting spot at right guard after impressing across three different positions in as many games.
The Lions have also tried Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal and Dan Skipper at guard, as well.
Jackson has missed the previous three games with an ankle injury. And Ragnow was out before the bye week due to a calf injury paired with the lingering toe issue. Halapoulivaati Vaitai has continued to battle injuries, with Glasgow taking his job in the starting lineup.
“Yeah, yeah those — obviously, both of them were at practice yesterday, full day of work and they both looked pretty good too,” Campbell said. “So, barring no setbacks, I think it’s looking pretty good.”
Dungeon of Doom Insider Texts
Something to watch is new wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (ribs) landing on the practice report as a limited participant. It’s unclear when Peoples-Jones suffered the injury. He hadn’t missed a game and wasn’t listed with an injury.
“We’ll get him up to speed with the playbook here, make sure he’s good and healthy, and then just see where it is,” Campbell said about the wideout on Monday. ” … but I also want to make sure he’s ready, mentally and physically, he’s 100% ready before we do that. So, this week will be big for him. He was out there today and then tomorrow we’ll see where it’s at and just kind of take it day-to-day.”
Leave a Reply