The head coach of the Detroit Lions Dan Campbell offered updates on a pair of players who have yet to suit up for the team this year, and the news was mixed. Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has missed the entire season with a groin and finger injury, has opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday and is now eligible to come off injured reserve.
Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good for defensive end John Cominsky. Cominsky suffered a torn MCL in July, and while the Lions were initially hopeful he could return late in the season, Campbell said on Wednesday he doesn’t believe Cominsky will return this season.
“I think it’s unlikely,” Campbell said.
“Man, he’s tried. He’s been rehabbing, he’s doing it. It’s just trying to get over that last little hump here. It’s been tough. He’s been doing everything he can, and those guys are doing a heck of a job rehabbing him, trying to get him back. But I think it’s unlikely.”
Cominsky has been a strong depth piece for the Lions defensive end room since the Lions claimed him off waivers in 2022. In that first year, he produced 4.0 sacks, 12 QB hits, and three passes defended in 14 games. He then started 11 games last year, earning 2.0 sacks, 36 tackles, and eight quarterback hits.
Detroit could’ve certainly used the defensive line help in their playoff push, as Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes are not expected to return—with Hutchinson having a small chance at a Super Bowl appearance.
As for Melifonwu, his return comes in time for Detroit to adjust to life without starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who suffered a broken jaw on Sunday and is out indefinitely. Melifonwu isn’t likely to play outside cornerback, but he could be part of the team’s adjustment in the secondary, as he can play in the box as a nickel corner, a linebacker, or back deep as a safety.
Given that Melifonwu has not played yet and only even practiced for a couple of weeks this entire season, it’s unclear when they’ll take him off injured reserve and have him in the lineup. But on Monday, Campbell didn’t rule out him playing this week against the Chicago Bears.
“Do we think he could help us as early as Sunday? I don’t know that right now, and I won’t until we get him out there running around a little bit,” Campbell said.
