Lions release injury report as Taylor Decker nurses shoulder problem and pair of special teamers ruled out

The Detroit Lions will be missing two of their key special teams contributors when they face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Safety Daniel Thomas, running back Sione Vaki, and linebacker Zach Cunningham have all been ruled out after sitting out Friday’s practice with injuries. Thomas had surgery on a broken forearm earlier in the week, Vaki suffered a groin injury in the win over Baltimore, and Cunningham strained his hamstring during Thursday’s session. Thomas and Vaki are vital pieces of Detroit’s special teams unit, while Cunningham, the team’s fourth linebacker, made two crucial tackles in last week’s goal-line stand.

Meanwhile, left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) are listed as questionable but are expected to suit up. Decker, who has barely practiced since the season began, sat out all week. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the situation, saying the team is focused on managing his workload so he can be ready for games.

“We’d rather not have it this way, but that’s just how it is right now,” Campbell said. “We’re making sure he feels recovered enough to play, and he’s giving us everything he’s got. We appreciate that.”