| Detroit Free Press
Does Lions’ loss to Carolina prove Matt Patricia is done in Detroit?
Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez talk Nov. 23, 2020, about Matt Patricia’s job security and similarities between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.
D’Andre Swift and Kenny Golladay are headed in different directions with their injuries.
The Detroit Lions listed Swift as a limited participant on their estimated practice report Tuesday as he makes his way through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but downgraded Golladay to a non-participant because of a lingering hip injury.
Swift reported a brain injury last week and missed Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
He must make it through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol before he’s cleared to play in Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Houston Texans.
In Step 4 of the process, players can take part in non-contact football-specific activities like taking handoffs and running routes.
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After they are cleared by team physicians for full contact, they must be cleared by an independent neurologist to return to game action.
The Lions held walkthroughs on Monday, when Golladay was listed as limited and Swift was a non-participant, and again Tuesday morning and afternoon. They have another walkthrough scheduled Wednesday
Golladay has missed the last three games with a hip injury, after missing two games earlier this season with strained hamstring.
Lions coach Matt Patricia said having walkthroughs only this week does not change the Lions’ return-to-play process.
“Just try to make the best decision that we can based on what advice and feedback (doctors and trainers) are giving us,” Patricia said. “And obviously, the player, too. Those guys that have been doing this for a while, they know when their bodies are ready and they let you know.”
Along with Golladay, cornerback Jeff Okudah (shoulder), defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand (calf), receiver Danny Amendola (hip) and cornerback Mike Ford (concussion) were listed as non-participants on Tuesday’s practice report.
Matthew Stafford remained limited by his right thumb injury.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.