Melifonwu (hand) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears. Melifonwu was sidelined for the Lions' first 14 regular-season games due to ankle and hand injuries, but the 25-year-old safety will make his 2024 debut Sunday and provide depth at safety behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Across 17 regular-season games in 2023, Melifonwu logged 33 tackles (24 solo), including 3.0 sacks, eight pass defenses (including two interceptions) and one forced fumble.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Ifeatu Melifonwu news
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
5/2/1999 (25)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'3", 210 lbs
Draft Info
2021: Rd 3; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Boston, MA, USA
Position
SAF
College
Syracuse
Experience
4 seasons
Career History
Detroit Lions
2021-Present
(4 seasons)
Melifonwu (hand) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears. Melifonwu was sidelined for the Lions' first 14 regular-season games due to ankle and hand injuries, but the 25-year-old safety will make his 2024 debut Sunday and provide depth at safety behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Across 17 regular-season games in 2023, Melifonwu logged 33 tackles (24 solo), including 3.0 sacks, eight pass defenses (including two interceptions) and one forced fumble.
Melifonwu (hand) was activated from injured reserve Saturday. Melifonwu is back on Detroit's active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears, but he's still listed as questionable on the injury report. If cleared for action, Melifonwu will provide valuable safety depth for the banged-up Lions defense.
Melifonwu (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports. Melifonwu was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and practiced in full all week, suggesting he could play for the first time this season in Sunday's divisional matchup. However, the Syracuse product must still be added to the active roster in order to suit up in Week 16. If Melifonwu is activated in time, he's expected to serve as Detroit's top reserve safety.
Melifonwu (hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. On the same day he was designated to return from injured reserve, Melifonwu started out strong with a full practice in the Lions' first official practice of the week Wednesday. He's been sidelined for the entire regular season due to ankle and hand injuries, but if he's able to practice in full over the next two days, he would be on track to make his 2024 regular-season debut against the Bears on Sunday.
Melifonwu (undisclosed) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. The Syracuse product has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury and an undisclosed issue. However, his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, suggesting he's nearing a return to the field. If Melifonwu is activated to Detroit's active roster in time for the Week 16 matchup against the Bears, he could serve as the team's top reserve safety. If not, Brandon Joseph is likely to occupy that role.
The Lions placed Melifonwu (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday. Melifonwu was activated from injured reserve Monday but heads back to the list 24 hours later after suffering a setback unrelated to the ankle injury that previously landed him there, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Melifonwu will have to miss at least another four games minimum and won't be eligible to play until Week 16 versus Chicago.
The Lions activated Melifonwu (ankle) from injured reserve Monday. Despite head coach Dan Campbell telling reporters earlier Monday that Melifonwu suffered a setback and "won't be ready for a while," the Lions have added him to their active roster. Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports that Melifonwu didn't practice last week Friday after sustaining a different injury than the one that landed him on IR, leaving his status for Detroit's Week 12 matchup against the Colts uncertain. His participation in practice throughout this week will likely offer the best indication of whether he can return to the field Sunday.
Head coach Dan Campell stated Monday that Melifonwu (ankle) suffered a setback, and 'he won't be ready for a while," Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports. Melifonwu had his 21-day window to practice with the team opened on Nov. 6. According to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com, the Syracuse product suffered a different injury, and didn't aggravate the previous one. If he is not near ready to play when his window closes Nov. 27, the Lions will either need to use an active roster spot on him anyway or return him to IR, officially ending his season.
Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Melifonwu remains on injured reserve after his 21-day practice window was opened last Wednesday. He'll get another week of practice ahead of Week 12 against the Colts.