The Detroit Lions are playing this upcoming game vs the Miami Dolphins for 46 (Jack Campbell). Couple this with the fact that the Dolphins are struggling mightily with a 1-6 record, and it’s hard to envision the Lions losing this game. However, it’s the NFL and surprises are not so surprising.
For the latest on Jack Campbell, who is still at the forefront of all our minds, visit yesterday’s story…
There were three other Lions who suffered injuries last game and are out vs Miami - DJ Reed, Cade Mays, and DJ Wonnum. Since they all logged NPs (no practice) the entire week, that puts them on IR-watch for the weekend. However, based on injury video and signals during the week, it would be a surprise for any of them to go on IR.
Lions vs Dolphins Final Injury Report
🔴”Out”
🟡”Questionable”
🟢”In”
* Current starter. FP=full practice, LP=limited practice, NP=no practice
DETROIT LIONS (open -7, current -7)
🔴 *Jack Campbell, LB - Cervical spinal cord
Campbell will go on IR soon. I gave reasons in my Week 9 initial injury report why the Lions may be delaying the transaction. At this point, respect for Jack may be the primary reason. Neurological progress is going well, but he’s still definitely out for the season.
🔴 *DJ Reed, CB - Hip
The full week of NPs is somewhat concerning, as it increases the possibility of a long-term injury. There are still no details of his injury yet. I’m still hoping it’s just a painful hip pointer contusion.
🔴 *Cade Mays, C - Left low-ankle sprain
Reports confirm a low-ankle sprain for Mays. It’s hard to see, but there is a mild inversion on video. It doesn’t look severe on video, so hopefully it is indeed mild and Mays can be ready for next week.
🔴 *DJ Wonnum, EDGE - Concussion
Wonnum looked in bad shape immediately after suffering his concussion, as he needed to be carted off. Based on recent history of Lions concussions, there is a good chance he’s ready within the next two games. An LP early next week would be a great sign.
🔴 *Kerby Joseph, S - Left knee
Here is a practice video of Kerby from Thursday, via @colton_pouncy on X…
Kerby is wearing a full left leg sleeve, which isn’t necessarily a concern. I’d rather see a full leg sleeve than just a knee sleeve, as it makes it more likely to be just a precautionary or “comfort” thing. If there is any swelling in the knee joint, that is a bad sign that signifies further damage.
The video shows controlled drills, so it’s still not a test of actually playing a sport, where you need to make unexpected, reactionary, sudden movements - the kind of action that is more difficult to compensate for with the healthy leg. With drills, the knee also might not be taking contact from other players or banging against the ground.
Lions safety coach Jim O'Neil stated that Kerby did his first team practice on Thursday. It’s a good early sign that Kerby has had six straight LPs.
The FP watch begins next week. If he can get through an FP without the knee flaring up, then we can start thinking about a return to a game. Is it possible Kerby could play without ever getting up to an FP? Yes, I think limiting him to LPs is a legitimate strategy. Limiting mileage on the knee may be the best (or only) way to get him through multiple games in a row.
🟡 Sione Vaki, RB - Ankle
Projection: In
Vaki was a surprise listing on Friday after being unlisted prior. There are no details on his injury yet, but there are favorable signs:
A questionable listing implies a short-term injury compared to doubtful or out. Lions questionables have played 6 of 7 times this season, and at a 78% rate last season, thus the odds are good for Vaki on Sunday.
Since Vaki was unlisted on Thursday, then had an NP on Friday, that suggests he got through Thursday’s entire practice without any issue. He could not have hurt himself in Friday’s practice because he did not practice. A good possibility is that he felt soreness or other minor issue after Thursday’s practice, and was held out on Friday to rest up.
🟡 Jacob Saylors, RB - Neck
Projection: Lean in
Saylors had presumably the same neck issue entering last game and played, which implies something minor. A full week of LPs is a pretty good sign that he’ll be available again.
🟡 *Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR - Rib
Projection: In
Amon-Ra hurt his ribs on this play last game, but played through. A rib cartilage injury or even a fracture is a possibility.
ARSB has acted confident all week that he’s going to play. While you can’t totally trust what a player says publicly, I trust St. Brown here given his long history of toughness and reliability. The full week of LPs is also very reassuring.
🟢 *Brian Branch, S - Concussion
Branch made a quick recovery from his concussion and is in. Assuming there is no mystery, last-minute “illness” like in 2024, Branch will have a return-to-play in seven days. That would be the quickest regular season return from a concussion for the Lions in the past four seasons. Jabari Small returned in seven days this preseason.
🟢 Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB - Toe
Amen has been exclusively on special teams this year with the Lions. With the LB injuries to Jack and Jimmy Rolder, Amen will likely see some defensive snaps in Miami.
I didn’t see his injury during the game. TV broadcasts don’t care about special teamers, so it’s rare to get a replay of an injury. Fortunately, the toe injury is minor.
🟢 Rock Ya-Sin, CB - Cramps
Cramps is a curious listing. Ya-Sin had FPs all week, so it’s not like he was limited. Plenty of players have minor injuries that don’t get listed, so I’m mystified here. Last year, DJ Reed was also listed with cramps heading into Week 4.
Notables Unlisted
🔴Jimmy Rolder, LB - Placed on IR this week for a severe hamstring injury that may require surgery. The timeline for hamstring surgery is extremely variable due to the many possibilities, but expect a 6-12 month recovery.
🟢Ennis Rakestraw, CB - Rakestraw injured his left ankle in Week 7 and only played 1 defensive snap in Week 8. Was his limited action due to his injury? We’ll probably find out more on Sunday.
🔴Devin White, LB - With the loss of Campbell and Rolder, White could figure prominently down the stretch. He suffered a left forearm fracture on October 11 and is on IR. He can first open his practice window after the Week 10 game on November 15, which is five weeks post injury. There is a good chance that indeed happens based on recent history.
In 2025, Daniel Thomas opened his window five weeks after his forearm fracture.
In 2024, Alex Anzalone opened his window six weeks after his forearm fracture.
White should be ready to play in a game around Thanksgiving.
Here is a post-op picture of White’s forearm…
Visit my Lions IR/PUP/NFI Tracker for Devin White and the overall look at the injured lists.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Notables Only
🟢 *Kadyn Proctor, OG
This 1st-round rookie (who the Lions may have been targeting for a trade-up in the draft) missed the last game with this concussion, but is ready to go.
Notables Unlisted
🔴*De’Von Achane, RB - This playmaking RB tore his ACL in Week 3 and is on IR.