The Detroit Lions received a big boost to their defense with C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s return to practice on Wednesday. Gardner-Johnson has been on injured reserve since Week 2, and his presence at practice signals a return to action could be imminent.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has shuffled the secondary plenty in recent weeks, starting Ifeatu Melifonwu the last two weeks at safety. Additionally, Khalil Dorsey made his first start at cornerback last week after Jerry Jacobs had started 12 of the previous 13.
Jacobs missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Broncos. Detroit hosted two defensive backs, Thomas Graham and Jace Whittaker, on visits Tuesday.
The Lions’ secondary will have their hands full on Sunday, as Minnesota boasts a talented receiving duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Minnesota’s offense is featuring its fourth starting quarterback this season in Nick Mullens, but the plethora of weapons around him make the unit very dangerous.
“I just go back to this, the resources you’re gonna use to try to slow (Jefferson) down, it opens up other avenues here,” Campbell said Wednesday. “If you’re gonna do that, that means the other guys got to be able to win their one-on-ones. You have to so there’s nothing easy about it. I know this, we can’t let him have 200 yards again, that’s the most obvious. So we’re gonna have to have some answers.”
Lions Week 16 Wednesday injury report Jerry Jacobs — Hamstring (NP) Brock Wright — Hip (NP) Derrick Barnes — Shoulder (LP) Jason Cabinda — Knee (LP) C.J. Gardner-Johnson — Pectoral (LP) Levi Onwuzurike — Knee (LP) Penei Sewell — Shoulder (LP) Frank Ragnow — Knee/back/toe (FP)
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