Thursday is the first injury report since the game is on Monday. Thankfully, there were no further surprises on the Lions report this week. The Seahawks will be without their starting RT and possibly a few other impact players as well.
DETROIT LIONS
Brian Branch LP concussion, S
Good news that Branch is presumably asymptomatic based on the LP today. This does puts him on track to pass through the NFL 5-step protocol and play Monday.
However, it still might be a good idea to give him a week off because of a hit he took in game one. In that game, Branch took a hard hit to the side of the head, was down briefly, but not diagnosed with a concussion.
While there were no external signs of a concussion to warrant a diagnosis, mild concussions may only have vague symptoms that require self-reporting like headache, nausea, and fogginess. Looking back, if he indeed had some concussion symptoms, then this would be two concussions in three weeks which might warrant some precaution.
Sam LaPorta NP ankle, TE
A right low ankle sprain didn’t stop LaPorta from intermittently returning to the game last week. He won’t be fully healed by Monday night, but I expect him to play.
Frank Ragnow NP pectoral, C
Ragnow strained his left pec early in the game but battled to the finish.
Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “We’re going to put Frank down this week”. After further clarification, Ragnow is apparently not being euthanized and could return for week six vs the Cowboys.
Alim McNeill LP shoulder, DT
Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “Alim’s doing better… he’s day to day, he’ll be out there running around today, so we’re pretty good there”.
Lions DT Alim McNeill (shoulder) told me believes he’s close to 100 percent. Asked him about his status for Monday night.
McNeill: “I’m playing.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) September 26, 2024
Great news for McNeill to be practicing already after missing the entire 2nd half of the Cardinals game. He might have a left AC joint sprain with how he landed on the ground. Sounds like he’s in for Monday.
Alex Anzalone FP concussion, LB
Anzalone is firmly on track to play Monday. On the sidelines vs the Cardinals, he appeared mentally sharp while calling out defensive signals and pumping up the tens of thousands of Lions fans.
Dan Skipper NP ribs, OT
Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain with a small chance of a fracture. Unless something unexpected showed on XR, I expect him to be available on Monday.
Ennis Rakestraw LP hamstring, CB
After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR meant that this was likely a short-term issue. He had 3x NP last week so it’s good to see an LP today which puts him on track to make his MNF debut.
Levi Onwuzurike LP knee, DL
Onwuzurike was hurt in the 1st quarter last game and there was no video of the injury. Medical appeared to be examining his right knee. He finished out the game without noticeable problems. With an LP early in the week, I expect him to play vs the Seahawks.
Ifeatu Melifonwu NP ankle, S
With an NP, he’s likely out this week. Hopefully, the bye will help Melifonwu’s ankle.
NOTABLES UNLISTED
Terrion Arnold was hit in the right knee area last game and was gimpy for a while on the sideline. He returned to the game and played well. Unlisted suggests there is no structural damage to the knee and he may have just had a contusion.
Graham Glasgow was a surprise listing last week with a knee but still played the entire Cardinals game. Good to see the knee is off the report.
Derrick Barnes was placed on IR after being hit in the right knee with a possible MCL sprain. He has a chance to return later this year.
Marcus Davenport was placed on IR due to a left elbow injury and reportedly is out for the year.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Leonard Williams NP ribs, DE
Williams is one of the Seahawks star defenders having signed a three-year, $64.5 million contract in the offseason.
Byron Murphy NP hamstring, DT
Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year. Reports are that he is expected to be out for this game.
Kenneth Walker LP oblique, RB
MSU and U of M fans are well aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is expected to be ready for Monday night.
Uchenna Nwosu NP knee, LB
This impact LB for the Seahawks sprained his MCL in preseason on August 24 and has yet to play in the regular season. His target return was Monday night but with an NP, that makes it much less likely.
NOTABLES UNLISTED
George Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.
The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is here:
