Detroit Lions Missing 3 Players From Practice With West Nile Virus Infection — Others Return From Injuries Ahead of Vikings Clash

ALLEN PARK — In the first practice open to reporters following the bye week, the Detroit Lions were without three key players who missed practice due to confirmed West Nile Virus infections

, while a host of injured contributors returned to the field ahead of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, running back Craig Reynolds, and pass rusher

Al-Quadin Muhammad were all held out after experiencing symptoms consistent with the mosquito-borne virus. Team medical staff confirmed positive tests and emphasized that rest and controlled monitoring are required to prevent worsening of fatigue, weakness and neurological discomfort associated with the infection.

Despite the viral setback, Detroit received encouraging reinforcements.

Safety Daniel Thomas and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez returned to action as their 21-day activation windows opened. Defensive back Avonte Maddox (hamstring) and running back

Sione Vaki also rejoined practice after missing time due to injuries.

Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold was back as well, taking limited reps following a shoulder re-aggravation that cost him two games. Veteran left tackle

Taylor Decker appeared late and is expected to ramp up throughout the week.

Head coach Dan Campbell publicly reinforced caution and confidence:

“This isn’t something you push through. It’s a virus — and we’re going to do right by the players. We’ll get those guys back when they’re fully ready.”

Joseph has been a force in Detroit’s secondary this season, posting three interceptions in seven games, while Reynolds and Muhammad have provided important rotational support on both sides of the ball.

The Lions will take Wednesday off before resuming on-field work, giving additional recovery time to those sidelined by illness.

With a pivotal NFC North matchup approaching, the Lions are banking on both improved health and the depth they worked to build this offseason. Even with unexpected adversity, Detroit remains confident that reinforcements will be ready when it matters most.

New York Giants Fire DC Shane Bowen Immediately After Crushing Loss to Cowboys

East Rutherford, NJ – September 14, 2025

The New York Giants wasted no time making changes after their heartbreaking Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Moments after the final whistle, the team officially announced the firing of defensive coordinator

Shane Bowen.

The decision came just minutes after the Giants’ defense surrendered 37 points in regulation, including 20 points in the fourth quarter alone. Despite the Giants’ offense exploding for

21 points in the fourth quarter to storm back into contention, the defensive collapse ultimately doomed them.

Bowen, in his second season with New York, faced heavy criticism for calling a

prevent defense late in the game and for failing to generate a consistent pass rush against Dak Prescott. Fans voiced their anger loudly on social media, with many calling for his dismissal even before the game had ended.

Head coach Brian Daboll explained the move, saying the team needed a new voice on defense. “We have talent up front, but the execution hasn’t been there. At this level, results matter. We need to move forward with urgency.”

New York Giants Fire DC Shane Bowen Immediately After Crushing Loss to Cowboys pic.twitter.com/8RE1duFYvG
— Adam Schetfer (@fanhub_nfl) September 14, 2025

The Giants entered the season optimistic about their defense, especially after holding Washington to 21 points in Week 1. But the collapse in Dallas erased any remaining confidence in Bowen’s leadership.

Assistant head coach and linebackers coach John Egorugwu is expected to take over interim defensive coordinator duties as the Giants prepare for a daunting Week 3 matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

For Giants fans, the move was a clear sign that the front office listened to their frustration. For the players, it was a reminder that patience runs thin when expectations are not met.

Now, New York faces the challenge of repairing a fractured defense — with Mahomes and the Chiefs waiting just ahead.