The Detroit Lions are making progress toward regaining some key players ahead of this weekend’s pivotal matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Linebacker Trevor Nowaske was the only player absent from Thursday’s practice. Nowaske, who was seen working with trainers during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice, was notably missing the following day.
Nowaske has been a critical contributor this season, stepping up in a linebacker group depleted by injuries to four of the team’s top five players at the position. The former Saginaw Valley State standout logged 32 snaps in last week’s victory over the Green Bay Packers, second only to Jack Campbell among linebackers.
Ezekiel Turner (17 snaps), Kwon Alexander (17 snaps), David Long (16 snaps), and Jamal Adams (eight snaps) rounded out the rotation. Alexander and Adams made their team debuts, while Turner and Long, both recent additions, capitalized on their increased opportunities.
Defensive tackle DJ Reader (shoulder) also returned to practice, appearing to take on a heavier workload. After being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, the team is gradually reintegrating him into action.
Meanwhile, left tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and defensive linemen Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) participated in practice for the second consecutive day.
Decker, who has missed two games, explained that the team took a cautious approach with his recovery but expressed optimism about returning this week.
“For me, personally, I think I should be good to go,” Decker said Wednesday. “But you know, let the smart guys do smart guy stuff (the trainers). I feel much, much better.
“I feel pretty confident going into this one. Just kind of progressing to see how the week goes.”
