ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have ruled out three players for their season-opening game against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
They will be without running back Sione Vaki (hamstring), linebacker Trevor Nowaske (elbow) and offensive tackle Jamarco Jones (ankle). Vaki and Nowaske have not practiced all week, so no surprise there. Jones, who worked through an ankle issue during training camp, was limited on Thursday and did not practice on Friday.
Jones being out creates some intrigue on the offensive line. He won the battle for OT3 and to see some work in the team’s heavy-set formations. But him missing the opener likely opens the door for Giovanni Manu to be active on game day, especially with practice squad tackle Dan Skipper missing time this week with an undisclosed injury.
On the bright side, rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (illness) does not have an injury designation and is ready to roll after fully practicing Friday.
Left tackle Taylor Decker received a veteran rest day to end the week and is good to go against the Packers, too. Veteran offensive lineman Kayode Awosika also enters the weekend without a designation after working through a shoulder injury this week.
TeSlaa should have a role on special teams and offense in his NFL debut. He was the standout performer of the preseason and training camp, and performed so well the Lions felt safe trading veteran wideout Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said TeSlaa continued to recover from his illness throughout the week, and felt confident about his ability to play in Week 1.
“He got better every single day, carried over to the game, we thought he did an unbelievable job,” Lions offensive coordinator John Morton said of TeSlaa earlier this week. “He’s a smart kid, he’s tough, there are some good things that he can do that’s going to help us this year.”
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