Here are my training camp Day 2 medical updates including some analysis of Dan Campbell quotes from his press conference.
Ennis Rakestraw – chest contusion
“He’ll be out a few days but structurally everything looks pretty good.”
This confirms the early diagnosis of a benign chest contusion (bruise). Rakestraw can practice as soon as he’s comfortable, starting with non-contact activities to prevent further trauma. I think there is a good chance he’s playing in the first or second preseason game.
Levi Onwuzurike – ACL
“This is something that crept up… once the season’s done, it’s the normal aches and pains. Then probably a month, a month and a half, after he signed, his knee’s bothering him.”
As I suspected yesterday, Onwuzurike’s ACL was not straightforward. Campbell’s comments strongly suggest that the injury started last season, and then became worse (or maybe just more apparent to the team) after he signed his contract in March. A partial ACL tear would fit the timeline.
The Lions guaranteed Onwuzurike $3.5 million for this year which means they did not have any significant concern at the time of signing.
I went back and reviewed the tape of last season and found that he was wearing a right knee brace all season starting in Week 1. Here he is having his right leg checked on in Week 18.
He also missed one game with a left hamstring in Week 13, which was his only missed game of the year. It’s unknown which side his ACL is on.
Taylor Decker – shoulder surgery
After practice, Decker stated that there was a pre-existing shoulder issue that got worse during OTA. Last year, Decker had a right pec strain and a rotator cuff, so the issue could have stemmed from that.
He stated he had surgery after OTA and rehab has been going well. Yesterday, Dan Campbell said he was expected to practice in about two weeks.
Alex Anzalone
“I don’t see him practicing today….It’s a hamstring”
If you had to choose an injury to hide a hold-in, a hamstring would be it. A mild hamstring is benign with no long-term concerns and doesn’t invite many follow-up questions. It can also conveniently be fully-healed as soon as electronic pen meets electronic paper. DeAndre Hopkins, among others, has used that body part in the past.
Both the team and the player collectively may want to hide a hold-in to avoid controversial questions and negative vibes.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
“We may try to get him moving today.”
Since Muhammad was not placed on PUP, there isn’t any concern here.
Anthony Pittman
“Pittman will be back.”
No concerns here either.
Other news from Day 2 of practice…
Sione Vaki – leg
Vaki left practice due to an unspecified leg injury. No further details here. Vaki missed one game with a right knee last season but was otherwise healthy.