2 min read • August 12, 2021
Posted in
Detroit Lions
Offense
RB D'Andre Swift -
It seems headaches and a migraine were the cause of his three games missed during the 2020 season. Although this was not a true concussion, he was placed in concussion protocol. This explains the midweek headaches, and the belief now is that the entrance into concussion protocol was a precaution. With the history of migraines, physicians were able to establish that his headaches were not related to any concussion. Swift dealt with migraines when younger, meaning this is not a new complication. Although this is good news in terms of head injury risk, migraines are tough to cure and are unpredictable when they arrive. One can't control when or how they come. Terrell Davis had migraine issues in his career and even during the Super Bowl, but managed to play through and win the Super Bowl MVP. Recently the former Georgia Bulldog suffered a groin injury during training camp and is missing crucial practice time in his second year. Swift has been in pads but has mostly participated in individual drills. Details on the severity are unknown due to teams not having to submit injury reports but we will monitor his status leading up to the season.
WR Breshad Perriman -
The former first round pick has had an injury-filled career but has seen the field more in the last few years. Perriman missed a total of four games in 2020 with an ankle (3 games) and a concussion. He is starting the 2021 season with another team as this is his 4th in four years. He starts the season healthy, and if he stays that way, Perriman could be a serious player in the new Detroit offense. Perrinan has yet to eclipse 1000 yards in a season, but could be in line for the lion's share of targets in Detroit.
Offensive Line
OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai -
The big free agent signing from 2020 dealt with a foot injury for majority of the 2020 season, missing the first two games of season before returning. Vaitai injured his foot again in Week 9 and missed the next game. He persistently tried to return Week 11 but couldn't finish the game and was subsequently put on IR. After missing the next three weeks, he was able to finish the season out in limited capacity. Surgery was not required and we would expect Vaitai to start the season healthy as the Lions’ right guard.
Defense
C Frank Ragnow -
The Lions’ center reportedly has a fractured throat, which certainly is an unusual injury in the NFL. Another way of describing said injury is broken cartilage in the larynx/voice box. This injury is much more common in hockey players as being hit with a puck can cause this type of injury. It reportedly happened in the first quarter, but a review of game film did not indicate any specific video, and he finished the game. In severe cases this could affect breathing, but this does not seem to be the case here. Ragnow finished the game and even communicated line calls as required by a center. In 2017, Henry Anderson of the Colts missed half the season as a result of a similar injury but Ragnow missed two games before returning for the final game. This issue should be a non-factor going forward, and he certainly proved his toughness by finishing the game.
DE Trey Flowers -
The stud edge rusher suffered a shoulder injury in Week 8 that caused him to be placed on IR and miss the rest of the season. The specific injury was never detailed but there were no reports of surgery; however, Flowers did have shoulder surgery back in 2015. At face value, he should be good to go this season and will hope to regain his prevalence as an impact pass-rusher.
CB Jeff Okudah -
The rookie first round pick had a down first year as he dealt with numerous injuries and poor play. He suffered hamstring, shoulder and groin ailments, missing a total of seven games and ending the year on IR (underwent core muscle surgery to end the season). Look for a strong second campaign as core muscle surgery is reliably successful and even typically performed prophylactically on both sides. Okudah has the talent, and if healthy, could look like an entirely new player in his sophomore campaign.
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