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Lions feel “really good” after Penei Sewell’s injury, less confident about Ifeatu Melifonwu

Detroit — Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided positive updates on the injuries of a handful of players, as well as a somber update on a player who made major contributions to the team last year, following Saturday's 24-17 win in the team's final preseason game at Ford Field.

Campbell said All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who left practice earlier this week with an ankle injury, “will be good.” He said the same about running back Craig Reynolds, who left the same practice and was unable to play Saturday.

“I have a really good feeling about Sewell and Craig,” Campbell said.

The same cannot be said for safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has battled injuries his entire career and has been dealing with an undisclosed illness since last week's exhibition game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He has not returned to practice and was absent from Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“He's been out for some time. We don't feel like it's long-term yet. It's a while away. I'm not so sure. I don't know when we'll get him back or if he'll even come back and what the timeline is,” Campbell said.

Melifonwu missed seven games in his rookie season in 2021 due to a quadriceps issue. He missed six games in 2022 due to hamstring and ankle injuries. He missed significant time in 2023 training camp due to a lower-body issue and then broke his hand during the season before ending up as one of Detroit's most influential players.

Defensive lineman Brodric Martin was the only Lions player to leave Saturday's game due to injury. Campbell said after the game that it was a strain.

“I don't think it's anything long-term, but it's enough to be in pain here for a while,” Campbell said.

The Lions have 15 days to get their guys ready for their Week 1 Sunday Night Football clash with the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field.

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