Five inquiries about Lions’ safety Tracy Walker: Best safety of all time and memories of Detroit
DETROIT — Over the last few seasons, the Detroit Lions have undergone a great deal of change in terms of ownership, front office, coaching staff, and roster. Over the course of the last six seasons, safety Tracy Walker of the Lions has persevered through all of these changes.
Walker was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Since moving to Detroit, he has established himself as one of the secondary’s most trustworthy players, starting more than half of his games while wearing the Lions uniform. The Lions awarded him a three-year, $25 million contract extension last spring as a result of his steady play.
Walker, who is in his sixth season with the Lions, is motivated to recover well after missing the majority of the previous campaign because of an Achilles injury he sustained in Week 3. MLive had the chance to speak with Walker for a quick Q&A session before the Lions bye week, where they discussed a variety of subjects including football, his time in Detroit, and other subjects.
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EVERYEN PARK With three starters expected to return for their upcoming game, the Detroit Lions are in a strong position heading into their bye week, sitting in first place.
On Wednesday, it was estimated that guard Jonah Jackson (ankle), center Frank Ragnow (toe), and running back David Montgomery (ribs) would be available for action. Note that the estimated participation is based on the fact that the Lions did not practice today.
The team’s backfield would be strengthened by Montgomery’s return following two strong performances from Jahmyr Gibbs. With 315 scrimmage yards gained by the rookie running back in the previous two games, it will be interesting to see how those touches are distributed given Montgomery’s position as the team’s bell cow prior to the injury.
Dan Campbell reported on Wednesday that Montgomery was receiving treatment and that there had been no setbacks for the running back. The head coach of the Lions expressed optimism regarding his development, stating that the next two days are critical.
Campbell responded, “Yeah, I mean, we definitely know what David can do, but we also know that Gibbs has improved every week, so we’re going to ask those guys to do what they do well, which helps our offense move the ball.”
Therefore, I don’t think that while I’m sitting here talking to you, I’m seeing Gibbs get 65 plays. He will receive his fair share, but I don’t see that happening. He is maturing and we know what he can become. I believe we’ll go somewhat by committee and make sure those guys are involved. Gibbs will receive his cues.
“Barring no setbacks,” Campbell continued, Ragnow and Jackson ought to return to the starting lineup. With Ragnow out, Graham Glasgow started at center. And after making an impression at three different positions in as many games, he has assumed the starting position at right guard.
At guard, the Lions have also tried Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, and Kayode Awosika.
Jackson’s ankle injury has kept him out of the last three games. In addition, Ragnow missed time prior to the bye week because of a calf injury in addition to his ongoing toe problem. Due to his ongoing medical issues, Halapoulivaati Vaitai has been replaced in the starting lineup by Glasgow.
“Yes, indeed, those two were evidently present at practice yesterday, having put in a full day’s work and looking good as well,” Campbell remarked. “So, assuming nothing goes wrong, I think things are going fairly well.”
Donovan Peoples-Jones, the new wide receiver, is someone to keep an eye on. He was listed as a limited participant in the practice report. When Peoples-Jones sustained the injury is unknown. He wasn’t listed as injured and hadn’t missed any games.
Regarding the wideout, Campbell stated on Monday, “We’ll get him up to speed with the playbook here, make sure he’s good and healthy, and then just see where it is.” But before we do that, I want to make sure he’s 100% ready, both physically and mentally. Thus, he will be having a big week. He was outside today, and tomorrow we’ll assess the situation and simply take things day by day.
