Detroit Lions Devon Kennard and Cornelius Washington hit the NFI List
By Zack Moran
A couple more of the Detroit Lions’ pass rushers have hit the injured list. The Lions also made a few transactions on the first day at training camp
The Detroit Lions have received some more bad news when it comes to their pass rush. Not only was Ziggy Ansah put on the PUP list, but two other Lions pass rushers have landed on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI). It was announced Devon Kennard and Cornelius Washington ended up on the NFI list with undisclosed injuries.
The NFI works almost like the PUP list, but the player sustained a non-football related injury. To give you an example, think back to Sam Martin‘s injury last year. Martin was injured while away from the team, which qualified him for the NFI list. If he were injured while working out with the team, he would be on the PUP list.
The player can come off the list anytime, but like the PUP if the player remains on the list through the preseason, they will be put on the Reserve/NFI list. They will be rendered ineligible for the first six games of the season and the player will not count towards the roster, in turn, freeing up a roster spot.
It is also a possibility the players failed a physical or conditioning test and that would lead to them being placed on the NFI list. If that is the case, their stint on the NFI could be short-lived. According to Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press, someone in the Lions organization who is familiar with the decision said Kennard will be ready for the season opener.
Right now, there is no cause for concern. Like Ansah, Kennard and Washington will be able to return when they are healthy. If they are still on the injured list towards the end of preseason, then there should be some concern.
With how much the pass rush is in question, you want the players to be fully healthy before taking the field. It is a little dishearting to find out the players you will be relying on for pass rushing the most are out before training camp even starts. This will be something to keep a close eye on.
Transaction News
The Lions also made a few transactions in the midst of the Kennard/Washington injury news.
The Lions have made the Ricky Jean-Francois signing official. The contract details right now are unknown. Francois fills a need for rotational depth along the defensive line at the 3 and 5 technique. He will provide a veteran presence for some of the Lions’ young players like DaShawn Hand and Jeremiah Ledbetter who will be vying for the same role.
Lions also signed journeyman linebacker Darnell Sankey. Sankey was an undrafted agent coming out Sacremento State back in 2016. Sankey has already been on six different teams and yet to make an appearance in the regular season.
The Lions in turned waived linebacker Al-Rasheen Benton and offensive tackle Beau Nunn to make room for the signings.
Benton was an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia this year. I was a little surprised with Benton’s release. With how the defense will rely heavily on the linebackers this year, I thought he had the right traits to fight for one of the last roster spots or at least the practice squad.
Nunn was an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State. With the offensive line where it’s at and the depth behind them, Nunn was a longshot on making the squad.
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The big news is the unknown injuries to Kennard and Washington. This is be something that we will keep their eye on for the next few days to see what transpires. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious and they will be right back with the team. With how complex the defense scheme might be, they will need all the time they can get completely understand them. I would rather they heal up than rush on the field and risk further injury.