DETROIT LIONS NEWS

Craig Reynolds - Splitting first-team reps Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson took the bulk of the first-team reps at running back during Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Impact Reynolds could be looking at another heightened workload this weekend with both of D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and Jamaal Williams (COVID-19) looking unlikely to play. However, with Jefferson further removed from having the flu as well as a thigh injury, his upside could be capped by a committee approach. There's also the risk that there aren't many carries to be split up in the first place if Detroit's weak offense struggles to extend drives against Arizona's fourth-ranked scoring defense this Sunday.

DECEMBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Amon-Ra St. Brown - Becoming security blanket St. Brown is becoming a security-blanket receiver for QB Jared Goff, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. "That's the role that as a slot guy and what he can do, he'd...

Impact Goff needs someone to throw to with T.J. Hockenson (finger) set to join Quintez Cephus (collarbone) on IR, D'Andre Swift (shoulder) yet to return to practice, and Jamaal Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Amid a slew of missed games between the above players in recent weeks, St. Brown drew 12 targets a piece in each of the past two games en route to 18 total receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown. Josh Reynolds (thigh) and Kalif Raymond will probably get the majority of the deep shots down the field, but St. Brown is one of the last men standing in the Lions' receiving corps and his role in the slot could continue to load to nice PPR numbers down the stretch.

DECEMBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

NFL changes return-to-play rules amid COVID outbreak: 'We just got to be safe with it' All 10 Detroit Lions that have tested positive for COVID since last week are vaccinated and most have been asymptomatic. They could return s...

DECEMBER 17, 2021 • FREEP.COM

Jalen Elliott - Shifts to COVID list Elliott (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Impact Elliott was promoted off the practice squad in early November but is now in the health and safety protocols. He's appeared in seven games this season and has 11 total tackles.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

AP source: Lions' Hockenson had season-ending thumb surgery

A person familiar with the situation says Detroit Lions tight end T

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oruwariye on being a veteran presence  Cornerback Amani Oruwariye talks about being a leader in the defensive backs room and helping newer players get up to speed with the defense...

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

St. Brown on building trust with quarterbacks Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown talks about the process of building trust with the quarterback room and his goals for the remainder of the se...

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Josh Reynolds - Dealing with thigh injury Reynolds was limited at Thursday's practice due to a thigh issue.

Impact Reynolds is making a sudden appearance on the Lions' Week 15 injury report, which occasionally implies a health concern picked up during the week and potentially even on the practice field. Friday's report could clear up his status in advance of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Since getting blanked on three targets in his debut with Detroit in Week 11, Reynolds has gathered in 10 of 17 targets for 191 yards and one touchdown over the last three contests.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Brown on staying occupied during quarantine Center Evan Brown talks about what he did during his week of quarantine and how excited he is to be back in action this week.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Practice photos: December 16, 2021 View photos from Detroit Lions practice on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Lions vs. Cardinals practice report: Dec. 16 Lions vs. Cardinals practice report for Thursday, December 16.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Lions notes: Detroit looks to contain Kyler Murray, Cardinals' dual-threat quarterback Murray is completing 71.6% of his passes for 2,782 yards, while rushing for another\u00a0267 yards and five touchdowns on 66 carries.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITNEWS.COM

Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson undergoes thumb surgery, out for season: Report T.J. Hockenson, who leads the Detroit Lions with 61 catches for 583 yards and 4 receiving TDs, injured his thumb in practice last week

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • FREEP.COM

Lynn on third down efficiency  Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn talks about needing to perform better on third downs and his first impressions of tackle Penei Sewell bef...

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Cardinals can clinch playoff berth win with over lowly Lions

The Arizona Cardinals seem set up for success this week

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

T.J. Hockenson - Undergoes season-ending surgery Hockenson had season-ending surgery on his left thumb Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact The first inclination that Hockenson may be dealing with a serious injury was last Thursday, when he was spotted with a heavy wrap on his left hand. He eventually was deemed doubtful for Week 14 action and inactive Sunday in Denver. Upon returning to Detroit earlier this week, coach Dan Campbell relayed hope that Hockenson would be able to play Week 15, but the ensuing procedure will bring his campaign to an abrupt conclusion, with the expectation he'll complete his recovery by the offseason program. Hockenson will end his third season as a pro with 61 catches (on 84 targets) for 583 yards and four touchdowns in 12 appearances. The Lions will turn to Brock Wright and practice squad member Shane Zylstra at tight end down the stretch.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Aaron Glenn won't let depleted Lions secondary be an excuse: 'Everybody cashes a check' Between injuries and COVID cases, the Detroit Lions are down 10 defensive backs, including starters Tracy Walker and Jerry Jacobs

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • FREEP.COM

10 takeaways from Glenn, Lynn & Fipp Catch up on all the news from the coordinator media sessions with Aaron Glenn, Anthony Lynn and Dave Fipp.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

T.J. Hockenson - Absent from practice Hockenson (hand) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Since turning in a limited session last Wednesday due to a left hand injury, Hockenson hasn't taken any reps in any of the Lions' subsequent four practices. He was listed as doubtful before being placed on the inactive list for last week's loss to the Broncos, and unless he gets back on the field in some capacity Friday, Hockenson will likely carry a designation into this weekend's contest against Arizona, if he's not ruled out beforehand. Backup tight ends Shane Zylstra (63 percent of offensive snaps, six targets) and Brock Wright (55 percent, five targets) saw similar workloads and involvement in the passing game while Hockenson was sidelined in Denver.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

D'Andre Swift - Not in line to practice Swift (shoulder) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Swift hasn't gotten back on the field in any capacity since suffering an AC joint sprain of his shoulder in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears, so at this stage, he looks to be trending toward a third consecutive missed game this weekend against Arizona. Before deciding on Swift's status one way or the other, the Lions will see if he's able to fit in any activity during the team's final practice of the week Friday. With Jamaal Williams (illness) still stuck on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike are left as the Lions' healthy options at running back.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fipp on talented opposing special teams squad Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp talks about the Arizona Cardinals special teams unit and what makes them so good ahead of their Week 15...

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Glenn on good opponent in Week 15 Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talks about playing a good team in the Arizona Cardinals and how the Lions need to go out and perform no m...

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • DETROITLIONS.COM

NFC-West leading Cardinals aim for 8-0 road mark at Detroit

The NFC-West leading Arizona Cardinals are a win away from earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time in six years

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Back from the suburbs? Bills' return to Buffalo would be an unusual reversal The Lions are the lone NFL club to have relocated to the city after playing in the suburbs, a transition that's being debated for the Bills.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM

What the Jags can expect from Darrell Bevell, an interim coach with hope for something more A year after serving as Lions interim coach, Bevell gets four games to show what he can do with the Jags following Urban Meyer's firing.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM