Injury Updates: Jameson Williams, Marvin Jones, C.J. Gardner-Johnson Out Day 5
The Detroit Lions will be without C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jameson Williams and Marvin Jones when they return to practice Friday after a day off.
"They're improving, it's just I know they won't be out there today," said coach Dan Campbell. "And I think it's kind of day-to-day at this point."
All three are dealing with what the coach believes to be minor injuries. Gardner-Johnson and Williams are dealing with leg injuries, while Jones is on the NFI list dealing with a back injury.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai will return to practice but be limited as the Lions have their first padded session Friday. He left practice Wednesday with a back injury.
Rookie defensive back Brian Branch will also return to practice Friday after missing on Wednesday.
"He's just got a foot," Campbell said. "I don't think it's serious."
The secondary remains without Emmanuel Moseley, who was placed on PUP and has yet to report to the team's Allen Park facility. The coach said he expects the veteran to arrive on Monday.
First day of pads
The Lions begin their padded practices Friday, which brings about a higher level of intensity. The contact sessions allow players to showcase their physicality and make an impression on the coaches.
"I think, really, it's all the things we've been teaching in individual, group settings, the fundamentals, techniques, you're doing all that without pads," the coach said. "Nothing should change now with the pads. They've been taught the foundation, well now you've got shoulder pads. Honestly, that's the biggest difference, shoulder pads. ... They're protection, but you use them. You're just looking to see, fundamentally, are these things carrying over into pads."
It'll be the first practice of this sort for Detroit's rookie class. Each of the draft picks will be looking to standout out during team drills.
"The bar is very low for the rookies, starting today," Campbell explained. "It just is because it's the first time they've been this level of competition in full pads. I anticipate some of those guys not looking as good, which is fine because tomorrow, they should be better, and then the next time they should be better, better, better."
The coach discussed his thoughts dating back to his first training camp padded practice as a player and noted it takes time for a young player to believe they belong in the NFL.
