The Detroit Lions have already lost two players to long-term injuries since putting on pads this week.
They aim to avoid a similar fate for rookie running back Sione Vaki, who exited Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury.
Vaki is a former collegiate defensive back who was so valuable to the Lions as a running back that Brad Holmes moved up for him at the start of Day 3. Vaki has shown promise on special teams, but moving to the offensive side of the ball — particularly while navigating the NFL jump — was always going to be challenging. He’s been ranked below David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Craig Reynolds throughout camp, and any extended absence could make it difficult for him to break into the offensive rotation anytime soon.
The Lions are a touch beat up after three full-speed padded practices, and they’ve also lost defensive lineman John Cominsky (MCL) and offensive lineman Netane Muti (shoulder). Muti has already been placed on season-ending injured reserve, while Cominsky may not return until at least the playoffs.
The good news is that linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez seems to have dodged an injury scare. “Rodrigo” left practice for a few minutes, favoring his right arm, but was eventually cleared to resume. There was no injury update from the team following practice.
