Programming note: I have enabled the Substack “chat” feature for paid subscribers who wish to have discussions with me or each other. Since some medical information and topics are potentially sensitive, the chat provides a safe space to make comments, ask questions, and discuss. Look for the “chat” tab on the navigation bar of my home page.
The stadium experience for the Lions-Dolphins game was enjoyable - look for a comprehensive review of the stadium in a future article. I was able to make it back to the hotel in plenty of time to see the insane Bears vs Bucs Sunday Night game, featuring an electric performance by Caleb Williams early… followed by four interceptions later.
His MVP live odds probably resembled the Millennium Force coaster at Cedar Point - a ride I survived many times in my youth…
I’m too old for those kinds of thrills these days. This is my kind of Victory Monday…
The Lions vs Dolphins Postgame Injury Report is delayed as I haven’t had a chance to watch the TV copy yet. At the game, I saw Roger McCreary jog off the field while holding his right hip area in the second quarter. Otherwise, the game looked clean for the Lions. (I have some observations on Christian Mahogany’s health below.)
Readers on Twitter/X offered their observations, which confirmed that the game was generally clean…
Please add any of your observations in the comments.
Dan Campbell Updates
Dan had a press conference today offering these health updates…
Kerby Joseph status
“He did a good job last week, so we want to get him some more work.”
Dan was very curt here, which doesn’t bestow optimism that Kerby will play this Sunday in Germany. Kerby is still in the gradual ramp-up, after having not played in a game in 13 months. Whether he gets a chance at a FP (full practice) this week is uncertain.
DJ Wonnum & DJ Reed availability this week
“Hard to say. They’ve improved from last week. The question is, can we get them there in time? I don’t have that answer right now.”
Wonnum (concussion) and Reed (hip) did not go on IR, which was great news. Dan’s reasonably optimistic response here also implies something short-term. Hopefully, we see at least a LP (limited practice) this week.
Lions vs Dolphins Week 9 Snap Counts
🔴Bad news or high concern
🟡Uncertain or moderately concerning
🟢Good news or low concern
OFFENSE
🔴Christian Mahogany saw no offensive snaps due to a “disciplinary” issue. For him to be benched, it likely means this is not the first issue he’s had. Almost certainly, he’s been punished before behind-the-scenes, and it has now escalated to a public issue. That’s an ominous sign for his future. From a health standpoint, I noticed him getting up slowly and limping two weeks ago vs the Packers. Against the Dolphins, he still appeared to be labored while jogging around on the field during his special teams snaps. He’s never been the most fluid athlete, but it’s possible his benching is somehow related to his labored appearance recently. A conditioning or effort problem could fit the overlapping Venn diagram.
🟡Sam LaPorta (90%) continues to see a high percentage of snaps. His back has held up very well so far, as he hasn’t even needed to take rest days during the week.
🟢Amon-Ra St. Brown (75%) has been dinged up with ribs, left knee, and ankle injuries in the past two weeks. He looked good during the game though. His snap count is in a nice range, and he remains very productive.
🟡Jahmyr Gibbs (68%) is finally getting into that safe, healthy range. The emergence of Sione Vaki (32%) has helped tremendously. However, Gibbs still got the vast majority of touches with 21 to Vaki’s 5. Maybe Vaki’s ankle injury a couple days prior in practice was a factor.
DEFENSE
🟢Brian Branch (100%) is back to his typical snap count load - great news for his health. But I still think some rotation of secondary players has value. Last year, an accumulation of injuries may have led to his Achilles rupture…
🟢Roger McCreary (98%) had a foot injury a couple weeks ago, which may have caused a slight dip in his snap count last week. He’s back to full-time now.
🟢Aidan Hutchinson (89%) dropped into the 80’s which is a good start. Low 80’s or even 70’s would be ideal.
🟢Alim McNeill (79%) in the 70’s is an excellent range.
🟢Rock Ya-Sin (67%) was back to a starting role. He had a hamstring issue in Week 4 and 5. There were no cramps for him this game, which is a nice improvement for him. He was listed with cramps during the practice week, and suffered cramps multiple times last season.
🟢Derrick Moore (58%) continues to get more snaps and picked up two sacks. If he can become a playmaker on defense, that’s a gamechanger for the whole team.
🟡Ennis Rakestraw (35%) bounced back up from his 2% last week. He’s been dealing with a left ankle sprain the past 2-3 weeks. On one of his plays where he got beat, he didn’t look as fluid with his legs as he typically does. The ankle, which was originally injured in camp, may still be an issue.
🟡Keith Abney (11%) lost snaps due to Branch’s return. For the long term, it would be nice to see Abney take some of Chuck Clark’s snaps. Or have Branch play more nickel snaps.