Reports: Mixed Feeling As Detroit Lions down 2 players as practice ramps up for Rams

ALLEN PARK — Lions safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Loren Strickland did not participate in practice on Tuesday as the team prepared for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Melifonwu is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during a preseason game in Kansas City, which had been bothering him prior to that. His availability for the Sunday night opener remains uncertain, with the first injury report of the week expected Wednesday.

“Still not sure on him,” head coach Dan Campbell commented on Sunday. “We’re going to try to get him moving a bit… and see where he stands. Everyone else is good.”

Melifonwu is coming off a standout third season in Detroit, although he has been relegated to a bench role due to Brian Branch’s position change. Kerby Joseph is projected to start alongside Branch this season, while Melifonwu is expected to contribute in three-safety formations and when Branch shifts to the slot.

Strickland, an undrafted rookie, secured a spot on the opening-day roster following a strong training camp.

The rest of the team participated in practice, including defensive tackle DJ Reader, who was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list. Reader was initially expected to return in Week 2, but that timeline might be pushed up to Week 1 depending on his progress this week.