Lions open practice window for Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu

ALLEN PARK — After enduring a run of several critical injuries to the team's defense, the Detroit Lions had a positive injury update to begin Week 10.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell on Wednesday said the team is starting the 21-day acclimation windows for cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (pec) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle/Achilles).

The Moseley news comes as a bit of a surprise, as it doesn't seem that long ago that the 28-year-old veteran suffered a torn pec. Moseley was placed on injured reserve during joint practices with the New York Giants in early August.

Campbell said at the time of the injury that he expected Moseley to return at some point in the season, but it could be argued his return is a bit ahead of schedule. It's possible the Lions will have him back by Week 13.

Campbell provided a handful of other injury updates yesterday, noting that defensive end Josh Paschal (illness) should be available to play this Sunday against the Houston Texans after missing the last two games.

Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who briefly left Sunday's win against the Green Bay Packers with a shoulder injury but returned a few plays later, "really didn't do anything today," Campbell said. Campbell said linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who was knocked out of Detroit's Week 8 win against the Tennessee Titans, "is better."

"We'll have to see what he looks like tomorrow, if he's able to go out there and practice," Campbell said.

For both Melifonwu and Moseley, the Lions have until Nov. 27 — one day before the team's Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Chicago Bears — to decide whether to activate them or place them on season-ending injured reserve.

Melifonwu was one of Detroit's best playmakers down the stretch last season but has yet to see the field in 2024. He aggravated an injury during the team's Week 2 preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs and has not returned to action.

Moseley, meanwhile, was forced all but two plays of his first season in a Lions uniform. Back in 2022, he tore an ACL that ended his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.

After signing with the Lions in 2023 free agency and working his way back for a Week 5 debut, Moseley tore his other ACL on his second play. He completed his rehab a bit sooner the second time around and was competing with veteran Amik Robertston for a role as the team's nickel corner in training camp before suffering yet another devastating injury.

Moseley and Melifonwu join another defender, second-year defensive tackle Brodric Martin, as players who have had their 21-day practice clocks started.

Martin was knocked out of the team's preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a knee injury and had his acclimation window started last Wednesday.