Cedrick Wilson Jr. leaving Saturday’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders in the first half wasn’t just a tough break, it immediately put a pit in the stomach of every Lions fan. Coach Dan Campbell himself admitted, “I’m worried. I’m worried on that one.” That’s not the kind of talk you want to hear about a veteran fighting for a roster spot, especially when the team is still evaluating his knee injury.
Knee Worries and Crutches: The Bleak Updates
Wilson’s situation feels like the biggest gut punch from the Lions’ injury report. The veteran receiver is a smart, crafty player who can line up everywhere and contribute on special teams. He was right there, competing for the Lions’ fifth or sixth receiver spot, and now, if this injury turns out to be long-term, Detroit is gonna need someone else to step up. Campbell’s worry says it all, we’re holding our breath on this one. Then there’s Michael Niese. This one is just straight-up mysterious, and not in a good way. The center played just one snap, a successful screen with a key lead block, before leaving the game. We didn’t even get a direct update from Campbell on Niese, but the fact that he was spotted on crutches in the locker room after the game speaks volumes. Seth McLaughlin had to finish the game at center in his place. You never want to see a guy go down so fast.
RBs Get Dinged, Others Step Up
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the running backs, but there were definitely some scares. Sione Vaki, the third-year running back, was a surprise scratch from Saturday’s game. Good news, though: Campbell assured the media it’s just minor back spasms and they aren’t concerned. He said, “It’s not major, but it’s enough to where it’s one of those back spasms where we were hoping we could get it out of there, give him some stuff, and hopefully loosen it out. We just ran out of time.” Campbell expects Vaki back for practice this week, which is a huge relief. He even noted Vaki got good work in last week after dealing with a broken nose and punched-out eye. “I think we’re good, Vaki, for a little bit here,” Campbell joked.
Jabari Small, on the other hand, had a strong preseason game, rushing for 16 yards on three carries before he got dinged. Campbell confirmed Small is now in concussion protocol. “He’s getting checked. He kinda got dinged there. So concussion protocol,” Campbell said. Losing Small, even temporarily, is a blow, but Trayveon Williams and Raheem Blackshear stepped up big time in his absence. Those reserve guys combined for 21 carries, 65 yards, and a touchdown in the second half. Campbell was stoked, saying “Pretty good, huh? I mean, those guys ran hard. They ran hard.” That’s the kind of depth you love to see, even if you hate the reason it gets tested.
So, what’s next? Everyone’s eyes are on Wilson’s knee evaluation, hoping for miraculously good news. Small will be working through protocol. Vaki should be back on the practice field ready to go this week. This team is battling, and every snap, every practice, really shows you who’s ready to grind when it counts.
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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