Ifeatu Melifonwu Returns to Lions Practice

Melifonwu was estimated as limited Wednesday, did not participate Tuesday.

Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6). / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

With Week 1 in full swing and the season opener on the horizon, the Detroit Lions have remained mostly healthy since the conclusion of training camp.

Just three players were on the first injury report released by the team Wednesday. All three came as no surprise to fans. Ifeatu Melifonwu has been dealing with an injury throughout camp, DJ Reader continues to rehab a torn quad suffered last season and Loren Strickland missed practice Tuesday.

On Thursday, the Lions welcomed Melifonwu back to practice. He had been dealing with a nagging ankle injury throughout training camp, but was listed as an estimated limited participant on the report published Wednesday.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu Inside Allen Park. Thursday Practice
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Reader, who was estimated as limited Wednesday, was present and working out on the side during the portion of practice open to the media. Strickland, meanwhile, was not on the practice field.

Melifonwu has been hampered by injuries for much of his first three years in the NFL. However, he was healthy late in the year and wound up being a breakout player after earning a starting spot late in the year.

The Syracuse product showed an aptitude for blitzing from the secondary and had two interceptions, including one that sealed the division-clinching win against Minnesota.

Now, with Brian Branch expected to play at the safety position, Melifonwu could see snaps in a variety of different roles over the course of the campaign. He has a background playing cornerback, so his instincts could allow him to excel at the nickel position.

"That's with everybody. Even with Iffy. Iffy's gonna play some nickel, he's gonna play down in the box," Glenn said. "He's gonna play deep safety. We try to do that with guys who can handle it, we have guys who can handle those roles."