Jerry Jacobs injury update: Cleared to practice next week

Jerry Jacobs previously hinted he would return to some level of practice this week, but he has since confirmed he’s been fully cleared for next week.

As the fourth game of a four-game mininum stay on the PUP list approaches on Sunday, Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs could theoretically be nearing a return from his torn ACL last December. Earlier this week, the second-year corner seemed to hint he would be back on the practice field in some capacity this week, with his season debut to follow in a couple weeks.

Jacobs was indeed seen working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday’s practice, which is a substantial step in his return to action.

But Jacobs’ being cleared to fully practice, then play after that, is ultimately in the hands of the Lions’ medical staff.

Speaking to Kyle Meinke of MLive, after Wednesday’s practice, Jacobs said he has been cleared to practice next week.

"I just want to play,” Jacobs told MLive in the locker room after practice on Wednesday. “Bro, I’m so eager. You just got to think about it, like, this is the NFL. What I did last year, that ain’t compare to what I finna do this year. I missed a couple games, but I’m ready to show them I still got it, still got that dog in me.”"

Jerry Jacobs will eventually bring some much-needed help to the Lions’ defense

The Lions’ defense has has its struggles at times again this season. In the secondary the rise of Jeff Okudah to a level befitting a former third overall pick has almost been easy to forget, amid losing safety Tracy Walker (Achilles) for the season and cornerback Amani Oruwariye’s early-season drop-off after he picked off six passes last year.

It seems unlikely Jacobs will play in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, coming off a week of practice that’s lined up to be limited to some degree. So his 2022 debut could then more easily come after the Lions’ Week 6 bye, in Week 7 on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.

Whenever he is able to suit up, and wherever he lines up, Jacobs will add much-needed depth to a Detroit cornerback room that needs it.