Tuesday was much kinder to the Lions than Monday. It appears three key players who left practice Monday night have avoided long-term injuries.
Jahmyr Gibbs left with a hamstring injury, but Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that it could have been worse: "The only injury that matters here is one that will allow a player to be ready for the season, sounds like that's where Gibbs is."
"Terrion Arnold, same situation," Rapoport said.
Arnold, the rookie cornerback who's slated to start opposite Carlton Davis III, left practice Monday after hitting the ground hard when he broke up a pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown. It's a pec injury, per Rapoport, "not a strain, more of a bruise." Arnold is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Fellow rookie corner Ennis Rakestraw suffered an ankle injury Monday after getting tangled up with Jameson Williams on a long touchdown catch. He hobbled to the sidelines, returned for a few reps and then was done for the day. Rakestraw, who's fighting for the starting job at nickel, said Tuesday on Instagram Live that he and Arnold are "perfectly fine."
We're still awaiting word on defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who missed his second straight practice Monday for an unknown reason. And Gibbs, Arnold and Rakestraw will likely miss some practice time in the coming days and/or weeks. That could be costly for two rookies who are expected to make an early impact.
But all things considered, Tuesday brought a big sigh of relief.