Detroit Lions Activate Return Timeline for Defensive Duo

The Detroit Lions opened the 21-day practice windows for cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu as they returned to the practice field on Wednesday to prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed both players, who are currently on injured reserve, are now eligible to practice. The Lions will have three weeks to decide whether to add them to the 53-man roster or keep them sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Return clock starts for Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu

Moseley sustained a torn pectoral in early August during joint practices with the New York Giants, sidelining him indefinitely. While Campbell recently expressed optimism that Moseley would play this season, his return seemed uncertain until this week’s announcement. The Lions now aim to activate him ahead of their Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears; otherwise, Moseley will be out for the season.

After signing Moseley in 2023 as he was recovering from a torn ACL suffered the prior season, the Lions saw him tear his other ACL just two snaps into his debut. Despite that setback, the team re-signed him in March.

Melifonwu, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in August, though Campbell was initially vague about its severity. A report later suggested it might involve an Achilles issue.

Although he was not placed on IR at the start of the season, Campbell acknowledged that perhaps he should have been, as Melifonwu inevitably missed four games. An initial hope that the injury would heal in time gave way to a more realistic outlook.

After a strong finish to last season, Melifonwu had established himself as a key playmaker in Detroit’s defense. However, his NFL career has been marred by injuries. He was ultimately placed on IR in Week 4, meeting the minimum four-game absence requirement, and will need to be activated by Thanksgiving.

Campbell also provided updates on other injured players Wednesday. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) participated minimally in practice, Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) will be evaluated later in the week, and defensive end Josh Paschal (illness) is expected to return to action this week.