The Detroit Lions brought in veteran cornerback Emmanuel Moseley as a key addition during the 2023 offseason, but they’ve yet to see the impact he can make on the field due to a series of unfortunate injuries.

Moseley initially joined the Lions while recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained in 2022.

However, just two plays into his season debut last year, he tore the ACL in his other leg. Despite the setbacks, Moseley re-signed with the Lions and was on track for a return this season.

Unfortunately, he suffered another major injury—a torn pectoral muscle—during training camp in August.

There is now hope that Moseley is on the road to recovery from his third consecutive major injury.

This week, the Lions received encouraging news about his progress, signaling that his return might be closer than expected.

On November 8, the Lions activated Moseley’s practice window, allowing him to begin practicing again after being placed on injured reserve.

Moseley was listed as a full participant in the team’s practice estimation on Wednesday, which could be a sign that his return to the field is imminent.

According to an analysis from Quarter4, Moseley’s full participation in practice is a positive sign that he may rejoin the lineup soon.

A clearer update on his status for Sunday’s game could come by Thursday or Friday.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had previously hinted that Moseley would return at some point during the season.

In late October, Campbell noted that Moseley had started to ramp up his activities with the team.

“That was really the first week he’s traveled with us. He wanted to go and we were all for it,” Campbell said, per the Detroit News.

“I can’t tell you how close he is to returning, but yeah, we’re going to get him back. It’s just a matter of when. He’s doing pretty good, really progressing well, and healing up.”

While Moseley’s exact return timeline remains uncertain, the Lions may soon welcome back another key player on offense.

Tight end Sam LaPorta, who suffered a sprained shoulder in a win over the Houston Texans, is also close to making his return.

Campbell described LaPorta’s status as “questionable to above,” but noted that his recovery is trending in the right direction for a potential return this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Despite the injuries, the Lions have been able to rely on their tight end group, which has stepped up in LaPorta’s absence. Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, and James Mitchell have all contributed.

Wright, in particular, made a big impact, catching a five-yard touchdown from quarterback Jared Goff in the Lions’ dominant 52-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Campbell praised the tight end trio for their efforts, especially Wright. “I thought Brock carried the load for us,” Campbell said.

“He played a lot of snaps and took on many different roles. We all know he does the dirty work, the run game, and protection. He was outstanding in protection.”

Campbell also acknowledged Zylstra’s consistent play over the past few weeks, emphasizing that he quietly does his job without much fanfare.

In summary, both Moseley and LaPorta are trending toward returns, offering a boost to the Lions’ defense and offense as they move forward

in the season.