The Lions have lost a lot of good players on defense this season. They could get one back for the first time Sunday against the Colts.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, who was expected to play a key role in the slot before suffering a torn pec in training camp, practiced fully on Friday and could make his season debut in Indianapolis. He's listed as questionable, with Dan Campbell indicating Friday that Moseley has a good chance to play.
Moseley's return would come at a good time, with rookie corner Ennis Rakestraw having been ruled out for Sunday with a hamstring injury he suffered on Thursday. Moseley has played just two snaps in two seasons in Detroit after tearing his ACL in his Lions debut last year on the heels of tearing his other ACL the year prior with the 49ers.
The Lions started Moseley's practice window in his return from injured reserve two weeks ago.
"He’s trending the right way," Campbell said. "I’ll tell you, I would love to get him up this game. We’ll see what (practice Friday) looks like. He’s continuing to get better and better. But we see him doing a little bit of everything: corner, nickel, safety. He’s help, is what he is. He brings another piece for us that we can use.”
The Lions' secondary has played exceptionally well this season, holding quarterbacks to the lowest passer rating (76.3) in the NFL. Corners Carlton Davis III and Terrion Arnold have played nearly every snap on the outside, with Amik Robertson holding it down in the slot. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have established themselves as the best safety duo in the league.
But the Lions like what Moseley can give them as a tested, experienced corner, and will find ways to get him on the field. He played in six playoff games with the 49ers.
Arnold suffered a groin injury at practice Thursday himself, but practiced fully Friday and "should be good" for Sunday, Campbell said. The rookie is listed as questionable, but Campbell said prior to practice that he's "not concerned" about Arnold's status.
On offense, tight end Sam LaPorta is a go after practicing fully this week. He missed last week's rout of the Jags with a shoulder injury he suffered in the Lions' win over the Texans.