The Detroit Lions are getting ready to kick off their 2026 season against the New Orleans Saints at home in Ford Field, and the early injury report is dropping some surprising news. Just three players were estimated for limited practice on Wednesday, which is a pretty solid start as they gear up for Week 1. This comes after an unusual practice week where Wednesday was a player day off, so these participation levels are based on what the coaching staff projected.
The Long Haul List: Who’s Out For A Bit
While only three guys were limited for a single practice, there are some bigger names on the long-term injury lists. Running back Isiah Pacheco, dealing with an MCL and back issue, is on injured reserve, and so is center Cade Mays with a wrist injury. Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu also landed on the NFI list with an undisclosed problem. On the PUP list, we’ve got safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerny Joseph (Knee). That’s five players who are mandated to sit out the first four weeks of the NFL season. But hey, there’s a new NFL rule that offers a glimmer of hope! Branch and Joseph can actually start practicing as early as Week 3, while Pacheco, Mays, and Manu could be back on the practice field by Week 5, if they’re healthy enough. Once they’re activated, there’s a 21-day evaluation period before they can jump back onto the 53-man roster. Good to see there’s a path back.
The Week 1 Watch: Limited & Full Participants
Here’s where things get interesting for the immediate future. On Wednesday, only three players were estimated to be limited: EDGE Derrick Moore (hamstring), DL Mekhi Wingo (groin), and DB Christian Izien (groin). Moore’s hamstring injury popped up late in camp, but the word was he’d be back for Week 1, so him being on track is definitely good to see. Wingo’s groin injury is a bit more of a mystery though, as it wasn’t a known issue before this report. We’ll all be waiting to hear what coach Dan Campbell says on Friday to get a clearer picture there. Izien’s got an undisclosed leg injury from late in camp, and Coach Campbell hinted he might not be ready for the opener. So, seeing him practice at all this week is a positive sign, but the Lions might still play it safe and take things slow with him. The good news? Jeremy Reisman noted that all 52 active roster players were accounted for at practice on Tuesday, and zero players were estimated to have no practice on Wednesday. That’s a good sign for depth!
We also saw five players estimated for full practice, which is fantastic news! Linebacker Jimmy Rolder (hamstring), linebacker Trevor Nowaske (knee), cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (ankle), cornerback Keith Abney (hand), and safety Thomas Harper (ankle) all appear to be ready to roll. Rolder’s hamstring injury from two weeks into camp had people speculating about injured reserve, and even Coach Campbell suggested a longer recovery than Rolder himself expected back in August. But he’s stayed on the active roster and was out there practicing Tuesday. The Lions won’t want to rush him back too quickly, but having him in full participation is a huge boost.
What’s Next for the Lions?
With Week 1 against the Saints looming, keeping an eye on those limited players like Wingo and Izien is going to be key. Coach Campbell’s updates on Friday will be crucial for understanding their availability. The team’s overall health looks pretty good heading into the season opener, especially with so many players logging full practice. This Week 1 game at Ford Field is going to set the tone, and a mostly healthy squad gives them the best shot at starting strong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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