Detroit Lions lose two players as Rams intensify training

ALLEN PARK – Lions safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Loren Strickland did not practice Tuesday as preparations intensified for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Melifonwu is dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of action since a preseason game in Kansas City. The injury has bothered him before, and Melifonwu's status for Sunday night's opener is questionable. The first injury report of the week is expected on Wednesday.

“I'm not sure about him yet,” head coach Dan Campbell said Sunday. “We'll try to get him moving a little bit … and see where he is. Everyone else is fine.”

Melifonwu is coming off a successful third season in Detroit, but was pushed to the bench due to Brian Branch's position change. Kerby Joseph is expected to start alongside Branch this season, while Melifonwu should see the field in three-safety packages and when Branch moves to the slot.

Strickland is an undrafted rookie who made the Opening Day roster thanks to a strong training camp.

The rest of the roster was in uniform at practice, including defensive tackle DJ Reader, who was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list. Reader was originally scheduled to return in Week 2, but that timeline could shift to Week 1 depending on how this week goes.