The Detroit Lions are preparing for a Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field and while there are still a few key players injured, the overall team health continues to improve.
The headliner in the group of improving health is Jarrad Davis (ankle), who has slowly seen his participation levels increase since injuring his ankle in Game 3 of the preseason. Initial diagnoses estimated he could miss the first three weeks of the regular season, and potentially a month or so more, but his recent activity at Lions practice suggests he is much closer to returning.
Listed as limited today, Davis will be one to watch closely over the next two days of practice as suiting up against the Chargers may suddenly be viable.
Like Davis, Da’Shawn Hand (elbow) also continues to improve and participate more and more each practice. After being initially listed as questionable on last Friday’s injury report, then downgraded to out on Saturday, there was some concern about a possible setback. We should learn more concerning his status as the week rolls on.
Rashaan Melvin (knee) was also limited on Wednesday, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise after being limited all of last week. Melvin was able to play last Sunday in Arizona — and played very well at that — but it wouldn’t be surprising if he was limited all week as the team allows him to rest up for this weekend’s game.
Taylor Decker (back) is a surprise addition to the injury report. It’s unknown when he suffered this injury, but it’s very possible it happened in last week’s game against the Cardinals where he struggled and committed four penalties.
The Lions will need him to get healthy quickly as he will face a formidable pass-rushing duo this week in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. If Decker is unable to go, Tyrell Crosby is next on the depth chart, but with him struggling this offseason, they may explore other alternatives such as Joe Dahl (a college left tackle who struggled at the position in the NFL) or Kenny Wiggins who has some experience at tackle, though mostly on the right side.
