D'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson Not Practicing Wednesday, Two Lions Return

The Detroit Lions will continue to operate in COVID-19 advanced protocols this week, ahead of their Week 15 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

As the calendar has turned to December, several NFL teams have been dealing with coronavirus outbreaks. 

Among them is the Detroit Lions, which have placed nine players in COVID-19 protocols.

Head coach Dan Campbell spoke to media members wearing a mask Wednesday. He spoke on the protocols and the measures the Lions are taking to prevent it.

“There’s concern, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Campbell said. “We’re doing all we can do to prepare for a game, and you guys know COVID and football don’t go together. So, as far as how everybody’s dealing with it, we do the best we can, and we’re trying to keep our guys safe as possible but also prepared.”

While several players are out with illness, two top players are still sidelined with injuries. Tight end T.J. Hockenson has dealt with a hand injury, while running back D’Andre Swift has missed two straight with a shoulder sprain.

On Wednesday, Campbell wasn’t sure where they were at in terms of being able to play Sunday against Arizona.

“Not really,” Campbell said. “I don’t think either one of them are gonna practice today, but yet, they’ll move around and we’ll see where it goes. If we feel like we can get them back by Friday or something, then certainly, we’d love to have them. But, right now, it’s still pretty early.”

With so many players unavailable, the Lions are committed to keeping everyone safe, but are still practicing to get the new faces looks. Among those new faces is Saivion Smith, who was signed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.

Campbell is weighing the balance between doing walk-throughs to keep everyone safe, but also live reps to get the new faces acclimated.

“There’s a fine line,” Campbell said. “We need the work. We’ve got a lot of new faces who need looks. You’re gonna fight that balance of, do you have a roster to play a game? But, also preparing them and making it fair for them to go in there to prepare properly to play a game. So, we chose to do it this way.”

As far as the new additions, the expectation is to contribute quickly.

“It’s to come in and play and help us win as fast as you can go,” Campbell said.

Campbell said that the team is still doing testing, wearing masks and being socially distanced, as part of entering the league’s enhanced COVID protocols. He said that the best way to protect his team from losing more players to protocol is to do virtual practices. However, he said he hasn’t figured out that technology.

“That’s obviously unrealistic in our sport,” Campbell said.

Campbell said the team has gotten over the flu bug that held many players out of practice throughout last week. Additionally, the team will get a pair of contributors back to practice in Evan Brown and A.J. Parker.

Brown, the team’s starting center in the absence of Frank Ragnow, was in COVID protocol for last week’s game. Parker, meanwhile, has been out since the Lions’ Week 11 matchup with Cleveland. 

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