The Detroit Lions have updated their injury report for “Monday Night Football”, announcing that tight end T.J. Hockenson has passed his concussion protocol, while defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand has been ruled OUT.
Hockenson has steadily moved through the league’s concussion protocol seeing his participation levels upgraded throughout the week. After a Saturday examination from independent doctors, he has officially passed all requirements and will play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.
As mentioned in this week’s The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over the Packers, the Lions will need Hockenson to help them execute their game plan, including helping out in both the receiving and blocking game.
Hand was participating in contact drills this week in camp — something he had not been previously able to do — and there were several people (myself included) that believed he may return this week in a limited role. Unfortunately, that was not the case as he has been ruled OUT.
The Lions are rightfully taking it easy on their stud sophomore defensive lineman, but with defensive tackle Mike Daniels also ruled OUT, the Lions will only have three active interior defensive lineman: Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson (who is dealing with a knee injury) and undrafted rookie Kevin Strong. Expect to see a lot of defensive end Trey Flowers at the 3-technique as the Lions dedicate a lot of bodies to stop the run.
