ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions remain a healthy team heading into the stretch run, and they got a little healthier on Thursday.
Right tackle Penei Sewell was upgraded to a full practice participant, and his availability for the big game against the Minnesota Vikings is not in question. Sewell hasn’t missed a snap since his rookie season, but he has battled shoulder soreness this week and was held back on Wednesday because of it.
Sewell was named to the Pro Bowl last season but has played at an even higher level this year. He’s allowed just one sack all season and is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
“He was a heck of a player the first two years, but I think he’s taken some coaching points—and they were minutiae for him because he was already one of the top tackles in the league in my opinion after year two—and he’s really taken it to another level, particularly in the run game,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said.
“There were some techniques that we asked him to try that he hadn’t tried. We always compare him with Trent Williams out there in San Francisco. That guy’s on another level, and we think Penei can be that same type of player, but I think the one area where he’s done a solid job for us is pass-pro. It’s hard to see him give up pressure on the quarterback right now. He does a really nice job there. So in both areas, he’s done a good job, and his hands have gotten better too. We just haven’t highlighted that yet on the field, so you never know.”
Center Frank Ragnow did get some rest on Thursday, but he’s expected to play in Minnesota too, and what else would you expect from a guy who just played about a week after undergoing surgery on his meniscus?
With that, the Lions are expected to have their top offensive line on the field in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Cornerback Jerry Jacobs (hamstring) and tight end Brock Wright (hip) were the only players to miss practice on Thursday. Neither has suited up this week.
Leave a Reply