Dan Campbell provided an injury update on Monday, focusing on the Detroit Lions’ preparations for Week 1, with safety Ifeatu Melifonwu being the primary concern. Throughout training camp, several key Lions players dealt with injuries, but many returned to practice after the preseason finale, easing worries about their availability for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Campbell mentioned that Melifonwu’s status remains uncertain as the team heads into Week 1. “Iffy’d be the only one right now who’s still not sure,” Campbell said. “We’re going to try to get him moving around a little bit today and tomorrow and see where he’s at. Everyone else, we’re good.”
DJ Reader, who spent training camp on the PUP list, is likely targeting a return in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is not included in the “everyone else” Campbell referred to.
After the final preseason game, Campbell provided a somewhat vague update on Melifonwu, who played in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs but has been sidelined since. On Monday, Campbell added more context, saying, “It’s really something that’s just been lingering, even before that [Kansas City game]. It’s slow-moving, that’s all. It’s slow-healing, and take it as it comes.”
While Campbell has kept details about Melifonwu’s injury limited, it was later revealed by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that Melifonwu has been dealing with an Achilles tendon injury. Given that Melifonwu was expected to move around in practice, it’s unlikely that the injury involves a severe Achilles tear or rupture.
As of now, Melifonwu should be considered questionable for Week 1, with his status still uncertain beyond that point.
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