Lions Dealing with Wave of Sickness Ahead of Broncos Game

The Detroit Lions have many players dealing with illness, ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Wednesday was a unique day inside the Detroit Lions' team headquarters.

The team has been dealing with issues related to the flu. Because of this, coach Dan Campbell told reporters that the offense and defense would be doing separate workouts to limit exposure to each other.

“We adjusted a little bit today,” Campbell said. “We’ve got a little bit of this sickness going around, and so we’re trying to somewhat eradicate it if we can. So, we adjusted, just kind of split it off to where offense is in the morning, defense in the afternoon and see if we can limit exposure to each other but still get our work in.”

The Lions did walk-throughs to take advantage of the practice time, but were unable to go live due to only one side being in at a time.

One player, center Evan Brown, has gone on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Brown is vaccinated, so he could return to action by the time Detroit travels to Denver for its Week 14 game. Should he be unable to play, Ryan McCollum would start in his place.

McCollum was an in-season signing off the Houston Texans’ practice squad.

Goff wins Player of the Week

Lions quarterback Jared Goff was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, following his performance in the team’s first win of the season. He threw for 296 yards -- his highest total since Week 4 -- to go along with three touchdowns and one interception.

His final toss was the game-winning touchdown to rookie receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was a candidate for Pepsi Rookie of the Week following his 10-catch, 86-yard performance.

“He had some outstanding throws in that game,” Campbell said. “Really top-notch throws, particularly early in the game, and then, there was about a three-or-four-play sequence where it was rough. For him to come back and get out of that and be able to drive us down the field, I think was crucial, and I think it’s great for him and it speaks volumes. And, I think it’ll help his confidence moving forward.”

Goff is the first Lions player to win Player of the Week this season. On the season, he now has thrown for 2,576 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Finishing strong

It’s no secret the Lions are planning for the future. In the first year of a new regime, with Brad Holmes at general manager, the group is responsible for rebuilding a depleted roster.

Campbell buys the mindset of looking to the future, but believes the future starts with the team's upcoming game.

“That’s what this whole season has been about, is what we’re building for the future,” Campbell said. “Of course, we’re in the moment, but the future is next week. The future is this week, it’s the week after. So, whatever we’re building only extends to the end of this year and also next year. So, I think it’s important, and ultimately, we’re trying to build a winner. But, there’s a certain way that you have to play to win games. But, I know this, it starts with guys who come to work and they believe and they hope and they just continue to try to improve. And we have that right now.”

As the Lions enter their 13th game of the season, some eyes will dart to the offseason, based on where they stand, with a 1-10-1 record.

With this said, the Lions are focused on building. This process will undoubtedly extend into the offseason, where Campbell hopes to acquire more players that fit the team’s culture.

“I still think it comes down to, ‘What are our expectations for what we want this to look like?’ And what we expect out of our players in this building,” Campbell said. “The guys that are here, the young guys that are learning from guys like (Michael) Brockers and (Alex) Anzalone, they’re figuring this thing out and what it takes and what it’s supposed to look like every day in practice. And yeah, it hasn’t equated to wins yet, we got one. But, they understand there’s a certain way you do things."

Notes

Lions running back D’Andre Swift is uncertain to play against the Broncos. He suffered a shoulder sprain in Week 12 against Chicago, and did not play against the Vikings a week ago.

“All I can say is he’s improving,” Campbell said. “There again, it was a walk-through today. He’s improved, certainly, from last week, and it’d be hard for me to say one way or another what it looks like this week.”

If Swift is again unable to go, Jamaal Williams will get the start in his place. Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson will see reps as backups. 

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