The Detroit Lions have declared injury designations for their Week 9 matchup against the Oakland Raiders and starting safety Tracy Walker has ruled out for this weekend’s game.
Ruled Out
Tracy Walker (knee)
At his Friday morning press conference, coach Matt Patricia announced that Walker would not be able to practice on Friday — making it three missed practices in a row — and leading to his declaration of out for this game.
After trading away Quandre Diggs last week, Walker’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time and puts pressure on Tavon Wilson and rookie Will Harris to step up their games once again. When the Lions deploy three safety sets, expect to see either undrafted rookie C.J. Moore in deep centerfield or Miles Killebrew playing at the linebacker level.
Doubtful
Mike Daniels (foot)
Daniels is getting closer to returning to game action, but based on how the Lions have handled longterm injuries in the past, he may need a few full practices before being ready for game action. With a doubtful designation he could beat the odds and play, but don’t hold your breath.
Questionable
Darius Slay (hamstring)
Damon Harrison (groin)
Graham Glasgow (back)
Tra Carson (hamstring)
A’Shawn Robinson (ankle)
Amani Oruwariye (knee)
Slay has put together several limited practices but he has been fully entrenched in his role and is expected to start against the Raiders. Getting Slay back on the field will give the Lions secondary a big boost.
Harrison’s groin has been troublesome for two weeks now and he has been taking Thursday rest days to help him get ready for Sunday. Just like last week, Harrison has been given a questionable designation but is expected to play in the game.
Glasgow took Wednesday off but returned to the practice field on Thursday and Friday. It’s possible the Lions will increase the rotational snaps at guard — and maybe even start Kenny Wiggins at right guard — but Glasgow is expected to play.
Carson was healthy on Wednesday but injured his hamstring mid-week, and like most mid-week injuries, it looks like it will be costly. Expect rookie Ty Johnson to get the start and if Carson is unable to go, a promotion from the practice squad — likely Paul Perkins — could happen on Saturday.
Robinson was healthy Wednesday and Thursday but an ankle injury showed up for Friday’s practice limiting his participation. As just mentioned, mid-week injuries are worrisome, so this is a situation that will need to be monitored all the way up to game time.
Oruwariye has now strung together over a week’s worth of limited practices, but with expectations that Slay will play, even if he was healthy he would likely be inactive in gameday.
No injury designation
Da’Shawn Hand (non-injury related)
Matthew Stafford (hip)
Hand has now put together two-plus weeks of full practices and is in good shape to have another impactful game. With the way the Raiders execute their run game, Hand’s athleticism will be a much-needed asset.
Stafford’s hip has proven to be a non-issue and he’s good to go.
