The Detroit Lions are navigating a challenging international trip as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany.
Running back Sione Vaki remains a significant question mark for the contest after missing the first two days of practice this week due to an ankle injury.
Although Vaki returned to the field as a limited participant on Friday, his availability for the upcoming game is not guaranteed, according to Yahoo Sports.
Vaki has become a vital component of the offense following the departure of David Montgomery and an injury to Isiah Pacheco.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised the player’s recent performance after a win against the Minnesota Vikings, noting that “Vaki was one of the guys we challenged this week going into this game,” as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Quarterback Jared Goff also commended the effort, stating that “Vaki ran his tail off” during the victory.
The team is dealing with a thin roster, as Kerby Joseph, Cade Mays, and D.J. Reed did not travel to Germany due to injuries.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is also listed as questionable.
On the offensive line, Christian Mahogany has returned to the starting lineup after being benched for violating team rules.
Campbell emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that “if you say you’re gonna do something, you better hold up to it,” per Yahoo Sports.
The coach previously acknowledged the unit’s struggles, noting that “it just took a minute to tighten some of that up” regarding their performance.
In a move to bolster the defense, the Lions acquired safety Andre Cisco from the New York Jets.
Campbell expressed optimism about the addition, saying that the team had “liked Cisco from afar” and valued his versatility within their defensive system.
The Lions are scheduled to kick off against the Patriots at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.