Melifonwu (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports. Melifonwu has yet to appear in a game this season after sustaining an ankle injury during a Lions practice in early September. The Syracuse product will now be forced to miss Detroit's next four contests after moving to IR. Expect Brandon Joseph to serve as Detroit's top reserve safety while Menifonwu continues recovering from his ankle issue.
Unlock the latest Detroit Lions news — direct to your inbox.
Status
IR - Ankle - Not Specified Expected Return: 2024-11-03Latest Ifeatu Melifonwu news
Ifeatu Melifonwu Career Stats
-
Career Stats - TACKLES
TOTALASTSOLO581543Career Stats - Sacks
SCKSCKYDSTFL3.531.50Career Stats - INTERCEPTIONS
INTPDTD2130Career Stats - Fumbles
FFFRFTD120Tackles
Sacks
Interceptions
Defense Fumbles
-
Career Stats - TACKLES
TOTALASTSOLO15510Career Stats - Sacks
SCKSCKYDSTFL213.50Career Stats - INTERCEPTIONS
INTPDTD000Career Stats - Fumbles
FFFRFTD000Tackles
Season Team TOTAL AST SOLO 2023 DET 15 5 10 Career 15510Sacks
Season Team SCK SCKYDS TFL 2023 DET 2 13.5 0 Career 213.50Interceptions
Season Team INT PD TD 2023 DET 0 0 0 Career 000Defense Fumbles
Season Team FF FR FTD 2023 DET 0 0 0 Career 000
Ifeatu Melifonwu Player Profile
Career History
Ifeatu Melifonwu Fantasy Projections
Check back soon for fresh projections!
Can't wait for more data?
Join dfsPro Daily for free
AI-powered Fantasy Picks
Year-Round.
Ifeatu Melifonwu Latest News
Shifts to IR
Melifonwu (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports. Melifonwu has yet to appear in a game this season after sustaining an ankle injury during a Lions practice in early September. The Syracuse product will now be forced to miss Detroit's next four contests after moving to IR. Expect Brandon Joseph to serve as Detroit's top reserve safety while Menifonwu continues recovering from his ankle issue.
Out again Week 3
Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Arizona. Melifonwu continues to nurse an ankle injury that has prevented him from taking the field so far this season. The safety didn't practice in any capacity this week, so it's unclear how close he may be to making a return. Melifonwu's next chance to make his season debut will come on Monday Night Football against Seattle on Sept. 30.
Won't play Week 2
Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers. Melifonwu being ruled out for Sunday's affair comes as no surprise, as the 25-year-old was held out of practice all week due to an ankle injury. Expect Brandon Joseph and Loren Strickland to serve as the Lions' reserve safeties while Melifonwu remains sidelined.
Opens week as DNP
Melifonwu (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session. Despite logging three consecutive limited practices last week, Melifonwu was unable to suit up for Week 1 against the Rams. The fact that the 2021 third-round pick wasn't able to practice in any capacity Wednesday doesn't bode well for his chances of playing against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Melifonwu will have two more chances Thursday and Friday to see the field and prepare for Week 2.
Ruled out Sunday
Melifonwu (ankle) will be inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Rams. Melifonwu has been nursing an ankle injury at practice this week and he'll be forced to miss the team's opener versus Los Angeles. The safety was able to participate in a limited capacity at practice during the week, so he'll likely be able to return to the field sooner rather than later.
Doubtful for opener
Melifonwu (ankle) is doubtful for Detroit's season opener against the Rams after logging limited practices all week, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Melifonwu will has been unable to log a full practice this week, and he'll now likely miss out on the Lions' first game of the year. The 6-foot-2 safety's true status should be revealed closer to kickoff, but a doubtful tag is not promising. He recorded 33 tackles (24 solo), 3.0 sacks, eight passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble in the 2023 season which was his third with Detroit.
Limited participant Thursday
Melifonwu (ankle) was limited during Thursday's practice session. Melifonwu appears to have sustained an ankle injury earlier in the week. His participation in Friday's practice session will provide a clearer picture as to whether he can suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Rams. Melifonwu played in all 17 regular-season games for Detroit last season, and he finished with 33 tackles (24 solo), including 3.0 sacks, eight passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Status for Sunday in question
Melifonwu (undisclosed) is the only injury concern for the Lions in Week 1, head coach Dan Campbell stated Monday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. Melifonwu's injury details are unclear, other than the Syracuse product can be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams. His practice status in the days ahead should shed some light on his potential availability as the team's season opener approaches.