Four Lions Miss Wednesday Practice

Zeitler, O'Connor among players out for Wednesday's practice.
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71).
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71). / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions conducted their first full practice of the week Wednesday to prepare for the Washington Commanders.

Running back David Montgomery, who has missed the team's last three games with a knee injury, was on the field at practice after being listed as a full participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Cornerback Terrion Arnold, who suffered a foot injury against Minnesota, was also present.

Among the players not participating at practice were Taylor Decker, Kevin Zeitler, Ennis Rakestraw and Pat O'Connor.

Rakestraw began his return-to-practice window last week after being on injured reserve since Week 12 with a hamstring injury. Zeitler (hamstring) and O'Connor (calf) both suffered injuries against the Vikings in Week 18. The reason for Decker's absence is undisclosed, as he was not listed on the injury report Tuesday.

There is a building sense of excitement for Montgomery's return, as he has been a key force in the offense since arriving in Detroit prior to the 2023 season. From both an on-field performance and a cultural standpoint, he has proven to be an excellent fit.

After missing the last three games, Montgomery said Tuesday that he hopes to play without any restrictions against Washington. His teammates are eagerly anticipating his presence being back in the fold.

"It's gonna mean a lot. He's a big, big part of this team. Any time you get a key player or a guy like him, the way he runs, you can't really replace it," said wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. "To have him back, we're all super excited on the offensive side of the ball cause he sets a tone for us on offense. He gets guys going. So, we can't wait to have him out there, so I'm excited to see him go out and practice again and then have him out there for the game."

More: Film Review: How Lions Have Fared Against Mobile Quarterbacks

Additional reading

1.) Aaron Glenn Is More Than Defensive Coach, Wants to Leave Impact

2.) Rumor: Ben Johnson Being Hired by Raiders Building Momentum

3.) Film Review: How Lions Have Fared Against Mobile Quarterbacks


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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!