I just returned from Houston, where I willingly and eagerly overdosed on smoked brisket and Tex-Mex fajitas. Conversely, I unintentionally and reluctantly overdosed watching the Interceptions. At least the end result was a panacea.
More notes from the stadium:
- The Texans Battle Red helmets looked amazing with the mirror red finish. The Lions' silver helmets look much shinier and sparklier in person than they do on TV. This could have been a wonderful color rush game with the Lions' Blueberries, but unfortunately.
- The roof was open for only the second time since 2021 and offered a beautiful view of the moon and fireworks. Luckily there wasn't even a hint of wind as this could have easily changed the outcome of the game since Jake Bates' field goals were so close to the uprights.
- We thank the Texans fans for being vocal throughout the game and the Lions fans for turning up the heat in the fourth quarter. There was an excellent atmosphere all around on Sunday evening.
Overall, the game was very healthy for the Lions. From an injury perspective, I didn't notice anything live during the game. There were some minor concerns in the TV review, but the initial injury report is reassuring. The main concern was Sam LaPorta and there is some early good news from him.
DETROIT LIONS
Sam LaPorta TE (NP) Shoulder
LaPorta suffered a left AC joint sprain. Dan Campbell called it “commonplace” on Wednesday. If this were the playoffs or a significant regular season game, I would fully expect him to play. Since that's not the case, I expect him to miss at least this Sunday against the Jaguars. However, there are no long-term concerns.
Sam LaPorta L AC joint sprain
-Stayed in the next 2 games and then out
-DC called it mild and commonplace
-Can play against Jags, but there's a good chance he'll miss a week or two for strategic reasons:
1) all other weapons healthy
2)Maximum health for playoffs is the priority at this point—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Taylor Decker OT (LP) Shoulder
Decker stated that he suffered a rotator cuff strain in practice last week. He had shoulder labrum surgery on the same side in 2017. Fortunately, signs point to this being a minor, short-term problem. Dan Campbell said Wednesday: “I feel better having Decker this week… I think he'll make it.”
Malcolm Rodriguez LB (LP) Ankle
After two straight weeks of NP, Wednesday's upgrade to an LP is a good sign that he may be ready to go after missing two games.
Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee
After being on IR all year with a right knee hyperextension, Martin's 21-day training window opened on October 30. He is expected to miss the Jaguars game and will be added to the active roster early next week.
Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP) ankle
With Melifonwu coming off IR with suspected Achilles tendonitis, his practice window opened on November 6th. He will most likely be out Sunday but should be activated to the active roster before Thanksgiving.
Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP) pec
After recovering from his torn pectoral muscle in August, Moseley began his 21-day training window on November 6th. Like Melifonwu, he is also likely out this Sunday but will move to the active roster before Thanksgiving.
Za'Darius Smith DE (FP) personally
Smith received a personal bye a week after the trade and should be full of energy this week.
NOTEWORTHY
Graham Glasgow On the first drive against the Texans, he landed on his head and stood up, shaking his head. It wasn't shown on TV, but I noticed it during the game. Fortunately, no concussion was diagnosed.
Carlton Davis received a hard knee blow to the back of his right lower leg in the third quarter and limped off the field. This was probably just a bruise when he returned to play. A direct impact on this area can result in a much worse outcome, as we saw with Aidan Hutchinson's Tib/Fib.
Alim McNeill appeared to have pain in the right temporomandibular joint (temporomandibular joint) in the 3rd quarter. I watched the video of the piece as well as several of his previous pieces and did not find any trauma in this area. Maybe he just bit down hard and injured his joint. He was able to return to the game and should be fit again going forward. Most TMJ pain goes away on its own without significant treatment. An injection into the joint is one way to relieve pain and inflammation.
Terrion ArnoldOn the Lions' final defensive play, he suffered a couple of hits to his right ankle, causing him to limp off the field. Glad it's not on the list, which means it's probably just a bruise.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Trevor Lawrence QB (NP) left shoulder
Lawrence missed last game with a non-throwing AC joint sprain and will also miss the Lions game. Mac Jones was 14/22 for 111 yards in the last game against the Vikings.
Tank Bigsby RB (NP) ankle
Bigsby is the Jaguars' No. 1 RB this year with 519 yards. He has had ankle problems for the last two to three weeks, which worsened in the last game. With an NP, there's a good chance he'll get a timeout, which would mean Travis Etienne Jr. (298 yards) would likely do the bulk of the running.
Brian Thomas WR (LP) Chest
Thomas, the Jaguars' No. 1 WR, injured his ribs two weeks ago but hasn't missed a game. Expect him to play on Sunday.
NOTEWORTHY
Christian Kirkthe Jaguars' second-best WR, is on IR because of a fractured collarbone he suffered two weeks ago.
Here is the full report:
