Final injury report, medical analysis

The Detroit Lions' NFC-leading active roster is mostly in good health as they face the Tennessee Titans. During the week, the Lions lost Jameson Williams to a suspension and Josh Paschal to an illness. The Titans lost DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones to trades. They also received demotions to T'Vondre Sweat and Jarvis Brownlee, but an upgrade to Calvin Ridley.

For the Lions, the loss of Williams is mitigated by the fact that all other offensive weapons are healthy. Elite stars like second-team All-Pro Sam LaPorta have yet to have a breakout game this year, so there's still plenty left in the arsenal.

For the Titans, whose record is 1-5, it is understandable if the team's focus is already shifting to next season. Longtime Lions fans nod sympathetically.

Dan Campbell made comments about several players in his press conference on Friday, which I will list below.

DETROIT LIONS

Josh Paschal DE (NP NP NP – Out) Illness

Paschal gave a positive update on his illness today. Here's the full article from MLive's Benjamin Raven.

Spoke with Lions DL Josh Paschal. He was out after something came up during his annual checkups after he battled cancer in college.

He said he was doing well and thanked the people at Henry Ford. He said it was a matter of getting his strength back and was aiming to return next week.

— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) October 25, 2024

Paschal was treated for malignant melanoma in 2018, which is life-threatening due to its metastatic potential. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like the current problem is related to this.

I recommend skin exams during routine health exams at almost any age because melanoma can occur in otherwise young, healthy people.

To replace Paschal, Dan Campbell stated, “We're going to use Isaiah Thomas.” The Lions signed this DE off the Bengals' practice squad two weeks ago, so one of the team's newest members may see his first action against the Titans.

Illness of Christian Mahogany OG (FP FP FP – Out).

Dan Campbell said on Friday: “He's been making progress every week.” Mahogany's mono disease should have long since been overcome and the series of FPs lasting several weeks confirms this.

His 21-day training window ends next week. If the Lions do not add him to the roster at the end of his practice window, he will be ineligible to return for the remainder of the year. It wouldn't have made sense for the Lions to start his practice window so early in the season if they didn't plan on adding him to the roster. So expect to see him in the squad on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Kevin Zeitler OG (FP FP FP – In) Groin

Zeitler missed last game with a groin injury but is ready to play on Sunday. The typically reliable Kayode Awosika had a difficult game against the Vikings, so it's good to get Zeitler back.

Taylor Decker OT (NP FP FP – In) Rest

During the offseason, Decker underwent ankle/foot surgeries including a sesamoidectomy, bone spur removal and deltoid ligament repair. This Warrior played through all of these issues last year. The sesamoidectomy and bone spurs may be signs of chronic problems that would benefit from regular rest days if he struggles with them during a season.

Graham Glasgow OG (NP FP FP – In) rest

Glasgow had a slight knee problem in the second week but was otherwise healthy.

Frank Ragnow C (NP FP FP – In) Rest

Ragnow is now 4.5 weeks removed from his left pectoral muscle strain and has looked his usual All-Pro over the last two games.

Levi Onwuzurike DT (NP FP FP – In) Rest

Onwuzurike had a minor right knee issue in Week 3 but has otherwise been healthy this year. He has had a remarkable recovery from L5-S1 lumbar fusion surgery in 2022.

NOTEWORTHY

Jameson Williams

Williams is out with a two-game suspension for taking stimulants or diuretics (masking agents). He will also miss the next game against the Packers but will be back for Sunday Night Football against the Texans.

Ifeatu Melifonwu

On Friday, Dan Campbell said, “He's better than when we put him on injured reserve… he's made good progress.” Melifonwu injured his ankle around August 17 and has not played this season. There have been isolated reports that the injury may actually be an Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendonitis would explain the uncertain and longer-than-expected schedule for Melifonwu, as neither players nor doctors want to take the risk that an Achilles tendon tear could occur. We are experiencing a similar situation with Christian McCaffrey, who has not been able to play this year due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis.

Melifonwu is eligible to return from IR next week against the Packers.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Will Levis QB (LP LP LP – Questionable) right shoulder

Levis missed last game with a right AC joint sprain and reports strongly suggest he will be out against the Lions with Mason Rudolph back in the starting lineup. His status may be more of a coaching decision than a medical decision.

L'Jarius Snead CB (NP NP NP – Out) Quad

Snead is a starting CB who missed last game and is out again this Sunday. This is a big loss for the Titans.

Jarvis Brownlee DB (UL UL LP – Questionable) Ankle

This 5th-round starting CB has played 100% of the snaps in the last two games. The Titans could be missing both starting CBs if Brownlee can't leave.

Calvin Ridley WR (NP NP FP – IN) foot

This starting WR has 12 receptions for 183 yards on the year.

T'Vondre Sweat DT (UL LP NP – Questionable) Hip

With an NP on Friday he's probably out. This second-round rookie has played around 75% of the snaps in every game this year, so he could be a big loss.

Jerome Baker (UL NP LP – Questionable) rest

Baker joined the team in the Ernest Jones trade this week.

Tyjae Spears RB (LP LP LP – Questionable) Hamstring

Spears has 33 carries for 114 yards this year.

Cedric Gray LB (FP FP FP – Out) Shoulder

Gray is a fourth-round rookie who hasn't played yet this year due to injury.

Jaelyn Duncan OT (NP NP NP – Out) Hamstrings

Duncan plays limited snaps on offense.

NOTEWORTHY

DeAndre Hopkins WR

Hopkins, who had 15 receptions for 173 yards this year, was traded for a pick this week.

Ernest Jones LB

This starting LB, who has played nearly 100% of the snaps this year, was traded to the Seahawks this week in exchange for Jerome Baker and a 4th round pick.

Here is the full report: