Dan Campbell gives a report on Lions players who are injured, including Aidan Hutchinson

On Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, the Detroit Lions play home to the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit. Head coach Dan Campbell watches from the sidelines.Michael Hamilton | MLive.com

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions (12-1) are feeling better about a few issues after their short break over the weekend.

Dan Campbell didn’t have much to say in the way of new information because he said they needed to get into the heart of the practice week. But he feels better about Taylor Decker, the left tackle, and four of the team’s best defensive lines.

“I know this for sure, all of our guys know this, it’s much better,” the Lions head coach said. “We’re better than we were last week because everyone is getting better.” I don’t know how many we’ll get back yet, and to be honest, I might not know where we stand until Thursday of this week.

“I feel better about Decker now, but I still need to see.” After that, the D-line changes. Levi (Onwuzurike) might come back. (Alim McNeill) Mac needs to follow the rules. He’s in every thing. That sounds good as long as he can clear, but it will take some time to figure some of this out. He didn’t take a step back.

DJ Reader (shoulder) and Josh Paschal (knee) are also still in the “we’ll see” camp before this weekend’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Campbell also had news about players who were on injury reserve.

The Lions are keeping a close eye on defensive backs Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (finger). Each one’s four-week time is almost over, so choices will be made soon.

Even though these three pros are likely to come back at some point this year, it’s not clear when receiver/returner Kalif Raymond (foot) and defenders Alex Anzalone (forearm) and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) will be able to do so.

Campbell said, “We think Alex is on track to get to the end of the season.” “It might be the last game or the playoffs, but we’re glad to have him back.” I believe Kalif is in that boat, which is likely where Alex is.

“Then Jalen is better.” It is better with Jalen Reeves-Maybin. But things are moving slowly right now. I have no idea where he could be. It’s possible that we won’t get him in a few weeks. That’s why it’s just kind of “where we are.”

Campbell was also asked what was going on with Aidan Hutchinson, the star edge defender. The head coach said that his thoughts haven’t changed since Week 5, when Hutchinson broke his tibia and fibula.

Hutchinson has been seen watching the Lions play from a box at Ford Field since he got hurt. There has been talk across the country that the player could come back if the team makes it to the Super Bowl. Campbell wasn’t ready to say for sure what would happen. Instead, he pointed to how bad the injury was and how Hutchinson was acting.

Campbell said on Monday, “To be honest, I’m right where I was when I got hurt, and that’s just saying that this is a tough injury.” “It is, but knowing him, I would never rule him out.”

“He’s working hard and making progress, but I can’t say when he’ll be done. I don’t know if he’ll have time, but if anyone could, it would be him.”