Lions vs Texans: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

The wet Lambeau field probably aided the Lions to a healthy game by slowing everybody down and allowing feet to slip out of dangerous situations like with Jahmyr Gibbs. There were some minor concerns coming out of the game, but the only one that landed on the Wednesday report is Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

Lots of other positive news this week as the Lions welcomed in multiple players including Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Za’Darius Smith.

The Texans had two very important players not practice on Wednesday in Nico Collins and Will Anderson.

DETROIT LIONS

Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB (NP) neck

What appeared to be a shoulder injury on video is actually listed here as a neck. Most likely, this is just a soft tissue strain. The more serious concern would be a spinal or nerve issue. It’s reassuring that he was allowed to return to the game late for the onside kick which suggests there were no signs of a spinal problem.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP) ankle

Rodriguez suffered a left ankle sprain early in the Titans game and missed the last game. While the sprain is reportedly minor, the NP makes it unlikely we’ll see him this weekend.

Josh Paschal DE (FP) illness

Clarity on the “illness” was given by Paschal today as he described it as a non-cancerous mass in his shoulder that was excised. Great news that it is not related to his melanoma from 2018. Paschal missed two games but is ready to go this Sunday. No long-term concerns here.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP) pec

Moseley’s tore his pec in August and has been out all year. His 21-day practice window opened Wednesday which keeps him tracking along the 16-week timeline of CJ Gardner-Johnson’s pec tear of last year. Expect Moseley to be available around Thanksgiving.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP) ankle

Melifonwu has been out since the middle of preseason with a suspected Achilles issue. His 21-day practice window opened today which is a good sign that he’ll be available later this month.

Za’Darius Smith DE (NP) personal

Just acquired this week from the Browns, Smith may get a personal bye week since the Browns hadn’t had a bye yet and the Lions did. There is nothing to be concerned about here even if he misses the game.

Sione Vaki RB (FP) knee

Vaki hurt his knee late in the Titans game and missed the last game. Video did not show the injury. The FP means he is recovered and is good to go.

Mekhi Wingo DT (FP) ankle

Wingo hurt his ankle presumably in practice last week and missed the last game. The FP confirms the injury is minor and he’ll be ready for Sunday.

Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee

Martin is starting the 2nd week of his 21-day practice window recovering from a right knee hyperextension in August. Expect Martin to be out for the Texans game.

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams returns from his two game suspension.

Jahmyr Gibbs was rolled up on during a tackle last game which put him at risk for a left high ankle sprain and right knee hyperextension. Great news that he is completely absent from the report.

Carlton Davis may have had a right arm stinger last game. Good news that he avoided any shoulder or pec injury.

Penei Sewell appeared to suffer a mild right low ankle sprain vs the Packers which was not significant enough to land him on the report. No concerns for Sunday.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Nico Collins WR (NP) hamstring

The Texans #1 WR was put on IR after straining his hamstring in week five. Since hamstrings can easily get aggravated, a gradual return-to-play is advisable. Thus, the NP on Wednesday very likely keeps him out vs the Lions.

Will Anderson DE (NP) ankle

On video, this star pass-rusher appeared to suffer a left high ankle sprain last game. High ankles can have a longer-than-anticipated recovery time (see Micah Parsons), so there is a good chance he’ll be out on Sunday.