In their first media-open practice following the bye week, the Detroit Lions were without three players but welcomed several others back to the field.

Returning to action were safety Daniel Thomas, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, defensive back Avonte Maddox, and running back Sione Vaki. Thomas (forearm) and Rodriguez (knee) had their 21-day return windows activated this week as they work toward being cleared for game action. Both defenders remain on injured reserve but can practice for the next two-plus weeks before activation.

Vaki, sidelined for over a month, could be ready for Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Maddox, who’s missed two games with a hamstring issue, practiced and would give a needed boost to the secondary and nickel depth.

Safety Brian Branch also returned Tuesday after serving his one-game suspension. Cornerback Terrion Arnold practiced again as well after participating in one session last week. Arnold has missed two straight games with a re-aggravated shoulder injury.

Those absent from Tuesday’s session included All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee), running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring), and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (undisclosed). Left tackle Taylor Decker wasn’t seen early by reporters but later appeared at practice.

Decker is expected to finish the week practicing. The Lions are off Wednesday, allowing him extra time to rehab before resuming full participation. The veteran started before the bye week after missing two games and remains comfortable playing despite limited reps.

Muhammad’s situation is unclear. He wasn’t listed with an injury after the Buccaneers win, so further clarity should come when Detroit releases its official injury report later today.

Joseph missed the final game before the bye as the Lions aimed to give his knee more recovery time. The safety has dealt with lingering knee problems since training camp, and his absence versus Tampa Bay marked his first missed contest this season. Head coach Dan Campbell and Joseph both believed the bye would help him heal, and now the focus is on testing his readiness in practice before Sunday.

Despite the injury, Joseph has three interceptions in seven games this year. Safeties coach Jim O’Neill praised his commitment to staying sharp and managing the injury responsibly.

“He’s been putting in coaches’ hours—showing up early for treatment,” O’Neill said. “He’s in meetings right after, doing everything right. Last week he spent all his time focusing on recovery and working on his own.”

O’Neill added that Joseph’s professionalism and leadership have been invaluable to younger players. “When he’s out there, he looks like the same Kerby we’re used to seeing. Sure, there are a few plays he’d want back, but that’s true for everyone,” he said.

Reynolds (hamstring) and cornerback D.J. Reed were both seen working on the side with trainers. Reed still has one more game remaining before he’s eligible to return from injured reserve and resume practicing.