Typically, the Detroit Lions begin their weekly practices on Wednesday.
However, with Christmas falling midweek and their next game scheduled for Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, the team delayed practice to Thursday.
The Lions have received encouraging injury news recently, as some players approach a return from injured reserve (IR).
With the team getting healthier late in the season, it’s a positive development for their playoff aspirations.
Below is a summary of Thursday’s practice report (FP = Full participant, LP = Limited participant, NP = Non-participant):
CB Terrion Arnold (illness): NP
RB David Montgomery (knee): NP
OG Graham Glasgow (knee): FP
WR Kalif Raymond
(foot): FP
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck): FP
Last week, Jalen Reeves-Maybin surprised many by practicing and initiating his 21-day IR activation window.
This Thursday, Kalif Raymond followed suit, returning to practice.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Raymond’s participation earlier in the day but tempered expectations about his immediate return to the active roster.
“He’ll start practicing today,” Campbell said. “We’ll see how he progresses.
I’m not as confident about him playing this week as I am with Germ, but it’s great to see him back on the field and moving again.”
Reeves-Maybin practiced fully on Thursday and still has 13 days left in his activation window, giving him a chance to be available for Monday’s game.
Offensive guard Graham Glasgow, who missed last week’s game against the Bears, returned as a full participant.
Campbell expressed optimism earlier in the week about Glasgow playing against San Francisco, and Thursday’s practice report confirmed his readiness.
Running back David Montgomery did not practice and remains out with an MCL injury.
Despite not being placed on IR, Montgomery is rehabbing instead of opting for season-ending surgery, leaving open the possibility of a playoff return.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared on Thursday’s report with an illness, a common issue this time of year.
While his status for Monday night’s game is unclear, it isn’t currently a significant concern.
As the Lions prepare for their critical matchup against the 49ers, the team’s improving health could provide a much-needed boost in their playoff pursuit.