After ending last season on a tear, Ifeatu Melifonwu has started this one on the sidelines. The Lions safety will miss his third straight game Sunday due to an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp.
Dan Campbell said Friday that he and Brad Holmes have discussed moving Melifonwu to injured reserve, which would knock him out for at least another four weeks, but they don't think it's headed that way with Melifonwu making progress in his recovery.
"Now, that can change depending if something happens here with everything else, the rest of the roster, Campbell, said. "But, right now, I don’t feel that way, and he is getting better.”
Melifonwu said in the locker room Friday that he's slowly but surely working his way back to 100 percent. The former third-round pick, who also battled injuries his first three seasons, came into his own at safety down the stretch last year, with three sacks and two picks in the final six games, then two more sacks in the playoffs. He was one of the best blitzing safeties in the NFL.
But he's barely practiced since injuring the ankle prior to the Lions' second preseason game. Campbell has described it as "lingering" and "slow-healing."
"Obviously I just want to build off what I did last year, so it is frustrating, it’s always frustrating, not being able to be on the field," Melifonwu said. "Yeah, I would say eagerness is at 100, just trying to get back. It’s a long season, but I’m trying to be back as soon as possible."
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was planning to deploy Melifonwu in multiple ways this year, from nickel to strong safety to deep safety. Brian Branch has thrived in a similar role to start the season, part of the Lions' plan to keep one of their best defensive players on the field at all times. Branch hasn't missed a snap.
His success in year two has been anything but a surprise to Melifonwu.
"I knew it (was coming), because he did it last year. It wasn’t like he didn’t play any deep safety last year. He played safety and nickel last year, so I already knew he was going to play well. It’s not a surprise to any of us in here," Melifonwu said.
The challenge for Glenn will be fitting Melifonwu into the Lions' secondary whenever he returns. Kerby Joseph is playing maybe the best ball of his career at free safety, with Carlton Davis III and Terrion Arnold holding down jobs at corner. Those three plus Branch lead the defense in snaps.
Melifonwu steered clear of targeting a date for his return, but reiterated, "I'm progressing and trying to be back as soon as possible."