Detroit Lions wise to be careful with injured veterans

After a grueling first training camp under Matt Patricia, the Detroit Lions are smartly playing it safe with a handful of ailing veterans, keeping the long term in mind.

Worn-down, injured and severely undermanned, the Detroit Lions were difficult to watch towards the end of 2018. A grueling training camp may have played a role, and they are shifting their methods this preseason.

As they engage in their second set of joint practices this week and subsequent preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, the Lions will likely be without the services of some of their most important players. While several of them seem to be inching closer to full availability, a newfound application of exercising caution with their ailing contributors is taking shape.

In the NFL, the second preseason game often features starting players for an opening series or two, before they head to the bench to avoid any chance of an injury. Yet, considering the minimal amount of time that many of the Lions’ most important – and most expensive – players have practiced this summer, don’t expect to many of them to suit up this Saturday.

Defensive lineman Damon “Snacks” Harrison, (Non-Football Injury List) has yet to practice fully during training camp, and new addition Mike Daniels has been eased in gingerly as he learns the new program. Also, edge rusher Trey Flowers was recently taken off the Physically Unable to Perform List as he recovers from an offseason shoulder procedure.

Second-year defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand has also been a spectator recently as he recovers from an arm injury suffered earlier in training camp. Could any of them step on to the field if the regular season was in full swing? Would any of them be feeling the pressure to rush back if this was 2018? Possibly, but the Lions seem to have heeded last year’s tough lessons.

In addition, quarterback Matthew Stafford was given several days off over the last week, the first time he has missed a practice since 2012, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. No injury is apparent, and it is merely an opportunity for rest.

Last season, despite starting all 16 games, reports arose about Stafford playing several games with broken bones in his back. He’s been incredibly durable since 2011, and any missed time by him would be catastrophic for the Lions.

To that end, it seems like a sensible decision to schedule some respite for the 31-year-old signal caller. Stafford, a veteran of ten previous training camps, also likely doesn’t need excessive preseason reps to be ready for Week 1. However, he will need to step on the field the at some point this summer in a fresh scheme under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Will he see any snaps on Saturday?

Lions fans are undoubtedly anxious to see not only what the new offensive looks like before September, but also how the potentially powerful defense exerts itself at full strength prior to Week 1. Yet, that seems like an unlikely scenario at this point.

The Lions need their best players available when the games start counting. Looking back, it may never be known how much the rocky transition of 2018 truly contributed to the subsequent struggles and waning roster options as the season wore on.

However, if this year’s version of training camp is any indicator, the Detroit Lions will play it safe with their key players, aiming for good health and availability in November rather than August. While it will likely continue to stir up some anxiety amongst Lions faithful, it remains the right call.

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