C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s return to practice on Wednesday was a significant boost to the Detroit Lions’ defense. Gardner-Johnson has been on injured reserve since Week 2, and his appearance during practice indicates that a return to action is possible.
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, has changed the secondary a lot in recent weeks, starting Ifeatu Melifonwu at safety the last two weeks. Furthermore, Khalil Dorsey had his first start at cornerback last week after Jerry Jacobs had started the previous 12 games.
Jacobs missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Broncos. Detroit hosted two defensive backs, Thomas Graham and Jace Whittaker, on visits Tuesday.
The Lions’ secondary will have their hands full on Sunday, as Minnesota boasts a talented receiving duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Minnesota’s offense is featuring its fourth starting quarterback this season in Nick Mullens, but the plethora of weapons around him make the unit very dangerous.
“I just go back to this, the resources you’re gonna use to try to slow (Jefferson) down, it opens up other avenues here,” Campbell said Wednesday. “If you’re gonna do that, that means the other guys got to be able to win their one-on-ones. You have to so there’s nothing easy about it. I know this, we can’t let him have 200 yards again, that’s the most obvious. So we’re gonna have to have some answers.”
Lions Week 16 Wednesday injury report
Jerry Jacobs — Hamstring (NP)
- Brock Wright — Hip (NP)
- Derrick Barnes — Shoulder (LP)
- Jason Cabinda — Knee (LP)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson — Pectoral (LP)
- Levi Onwuzurike — Knee (LP)
- Penei Sewell — Shoulder (LP)
- Frank Ragnow — Knee/back/toe (FP)
