By practising together, everyone hopes to see their best offensive lineman play against Denver.
During the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo., Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls out directions to his team while Detroit Lions centre Frank Ragnow (77) points out a defensive player to Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72). (Photo by Reed Hoffmann for AP)
ALLEN Park Though Frank Ragnow’s availability won’t be determined until later today or on Friday, the Detroit Lions are leaning towards starting their best offensive linebacker against Denver.
Head coach Dan Campbell stated, I’m hoping, but I won’t know until after today. Frank has been working and will be practising again soon, but we just need to make sure that there isn’t a flare-up, irritation, or anything else related to this. I’m not sure yet, but he seems to be doing alright.
Due to back, knee, and toe injuries, Ragnow was unable to play in the Chicago game last weekend. However, he has been participating in limited practise this week and was back on the pitch on Thursday during the short window of time that was open to reporters.
Another injured player is left tackle Taylor Decker, who was listed as a non-practice participant on the estimated injury report released on Tuesday due to a back ailment. However, on Wednesday, he was upgraded to a limited participant, and on Thursday, he returned to uniform, raising the possibility that he will be available when the Broncos visit.
Decker just finished his worst game of the year, giving up four sacks, which is more than all of his previous games put together, and a season-high five pressures in the Chicago loss. It appears that this was his second season of playing through injury. In the season opener, he also managed to sprain his high ankle, but he missed the next two games as a result.
Injuries have also kept left guard Jonah Jackson out of five games, and right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is still on injured reserve due to a second back problem. The offensive line has struggled this season, even though it has continued to play well most of the time. More difficulties occurred in Chicago, but it appears that the starting lineup will have a chance to play well on Saturday night.
Josh Reynolds, the wide receiver who appeared with a back injury on Wednesday, was present at practise along with every other player on the 53-man roster.
