If you listed players the Detroit Lions can't afford to lost to injury, right tackle Penei Sewell would be at or near the top. So when he left Wednesday's practice with was initially reported as a left foot injury, the concern was instantly and automatically major.
Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reported a positive update on Sewell Wednesday evening, citing a team source that said "He's good."
Thursday morning, ESPN's Eric Woodyard provided another positive update. Sewell reportedly suffered a rolled ankle, but there are "no issues" and he is "fine" based on the results of an MRI.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz had a similar report.
"Sources: #Lions All-Pro OT Penei Sewell, who left practice on Wednesday with a reported foot problem, is believed to have just suffered a minor ankle injury and should be good. Team does not believe it’s anything serious."
Lions have apparently avoided the worst-case scenario with Penei Sewell's injury
Foot injuries for bigger people like Sewell can be tricky. NBA careers have been derailed or ended by foot issues that occur over and over. So that Sewell doesn't even have a foot issue, it's a minor ankle injury instead, is great news. Losing him for any amount of time, with an automatic drop-off to anyone who would take his place (leaving aside any concern over the Lions' tackle depth), would be awful.
Sewell has proven very durable alongside his excellent play, playing every snap in each of the last two seasons. He was Pro Football Focus' No. 1-graded tackle last year, with the sixth-best pass block win rate among offensive lineman (per ESPN) as he allowed one sack over nearly 1,178 regular season snaps.
Of course Sewell was not going to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers anyway, and the season opener is over two weeks away. So rest and rehab should be the priority, but his status for Week 1 does not appear to be in question.
