The Lions picked up a Thanksgiving win, but not before countless players were sidelined with injuries. There won't be a bit of a break just yet as the next game is in seven days, Thursday Night Football against the Packers.
The main players in the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, these are all on the front seven, which was already a significantly weakened unit at the start of the game.
In Dan Campbell's post-game press conference, he gave some injury updates, which I will list below.
These are the injuries I saw upon initial observation, along with the suspected diagnoses:
Emmanuel Moseley
Moseley was surprisingly inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin) and Kindle Vildor struggling in the final game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps in the previous game with no apparent problems. Dan Campbell stated that “something popped up” before the game. This doesn't sound too serious or long-term, but his status for the next game is uncertain.
Terrion Arnold – Groin
Despite a full week of “estimated” FPs, Arnold did not start the first ride, although he started all rides after that. Dan Campbell explained why: “We just wanted to make sure he was OK.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.
Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50
Paschal appeared to take a hard step on his right leg and did not return to the game. There was no deformation of the knee on the video, which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sidelines, which is reassuring. A bone bruise is just as possible as cartilage damage. He will have an MRI soon for evaluation.
Video about Josh Paschal's knee injury
-Not much in the video. It looks like a hard step on the right leg towards the end. I hope it's just a slight bone bruise.—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2 minutes 00:09
The video looked worryingly like it was a knee sprain, but officially it was listed as a hamstring injury. He did not return to the game. He will probably be out for at least the next game. The severity will determine how long he will be out for.
Levi Onwuzurike L knee injury video
-Slight varus strain on the knee. Could be a strain in the collateral ligaments or patellar tendon—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q
Wingo limped slightly on the first drive of the second half. There was no obvious injury on the video. On the second drive of the half, he appeared with a right knee brace and was still playing at 12:00 of the fourth quarter. I'm hoping it's just a mild knee sprain.
DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18
The mechanism here is worrisome for shoulder subluxation. Hopefully it's just a mild shoulder strain. The good news is that he has returned to the game, although there were moments where you could see the shoulder was still bothering him.
DJ Reader L shoulder injury video
-Possible shoulder subluxation—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Dan Skipper – Right-back or ribs, 4q 9:14
Skipper received a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. This is the same area as the rib injury he sustained in Week 3 and I suspect that injury is getting worse. He was able to finish the game and I have no concerns for the future.
Khalil Dorsey – Right lower ankle sprain, 4q 8:24
His right ankle turned slightly inward, causing him to limp. I suspect a mild lower ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.
Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39
Dan Campbell explained: “Rodrigo is the one [injury] That could be the worst.”
The video wasn't clear, but there is concern that it is a non-contact ACL. Hopefully it's just a mild knee sprain.
Malcolm Rodriguez R knee injury video
-Not a good repeat. The right knee might give way a little. The main concern is ACL.—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Kindle Vildor – Bruise of left arm, 4q 3:14
Vildor's left arm was hit by friendly fire. He briefly left the game but returned and should be fine.
Za'Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08
Smith needed help a few times late in the game. I suspect simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sidelines immediately after the first episode. He was able to finish the game.
Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04
There was no video of the injury here, but after the game he grabbed his left ankle. He stayed in the game and seemed fine.
