Though the Detroit Lions defense took a critical hit this week with the placements of defensive tackle Danny Shelton and cornerback Desmond Trufant on injured reserve, it appears they may have a couple key pieces coming back as soon as this week.
The Lions announced on Wednesday that cornerback Darryl Roberts and rookie defensive end Julian Okwara—both of whom remain on injured reserve—will be practicing starting on Wednesday. This opens up a three-week window in which either (or both) players can return to the 53-man roster at any time and play.
For Roberts, the Lions may need him sooner rather than later.