Detroit Lions make NFI, PUP list changes ahead of start of training camp
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions have made some adjustments to their NFI and PUP lists ahead of the first practice of training camp and it’s a mixed bag.
After initially announcing that nine players would begin training camp on the Non-football injury (NFI) or physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Detroit Lions have removed two of those names ahead of tomorrow’s opening practice of training camp.
Offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and cornerback Teez Tabor were taken off NFI today, meaning they will be joining their teammates as practice begins tomorrow afternoon. That’s great news not only because health is important, but Kouandjio and Tabor are two players fighting for spots in their respective depth charts.
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With Taylor Decker‘s injury leaving a major hole at left tackle, Kouandjio was one of the players brought in to compete for the job in Decker’s absence. Missing time hurts not only Kouandjio’s ability to compete for the job but the competition as a whole/
As for Tabor, cornerback is a hard position for rookies to have a major positive impact early and a delayed start only stunts that development further. As a player who wins with instincts and quick reaction times rather than raw athleticism, reps will be especially important for Tabor.
It’s not all good news, however. Though two players came off the lists, four players have been added. Defensive end Ziggy Ansah and guard Brandon Thomas were added to PUP while offensive tackle Greg Robinson and defensive end Cornelius Washington were added to the NFI list.
Ansah is the biggest name of the group and that could cause some consternation among Lions fans. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Ansah being placed on the list appears to be more precautionary rather than something to worry about.
FWIW, Ansah's start on PUP sounds like it's precautionary.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) July 29, 2017
Washington starting on NFI means the Lions might be thin at defensive end early in camp if he and Ansah need to miss one or more practices.
Like Kouandjio, Robinson was brought in after the injury to Decker to compete at left tackle. It initially looked like Robinson had a leg up in the competition since it appeared he’d be ready to go while Kouandjio got off to a delayed start but now that script is flipped.
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Players can come off NFI/PUP lists at any time but can not be added to either list after practice has begun. Teams are typically conservative with additions before camp starts and it seems that is mostly the case for the Lions.