Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images The Detroit Lions released their Week 16 initial injury report and two injured players returned to practice, while several veterans were held out for precautionary reasons. The Detroit Lions (12-2) are on the road in Week 16, taking on their division rival Chicago Bears (4-10). The Lions, still reeling from needing to place three more players on injured reserve earlier this week, opted to hold out several veterans on Wednesday for precautionary reasons. “Yeah, there will be quite a few guys that I’m just going to hold out today, cautionary,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Wednesday. “So, some of the O-lineman, going to hold [Brian Branch] BB out for a little bit.” Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note that any changes from last week’s report will be bolded. Injured reserve updates WR Kalif Raymond (hamstring) — injured reserve, eligible to return in Week 17 DT Alim McNeill (ACL) — injured reserve, his season is over DL John Cominsky (MCL) — injured reserve, unlikely to return this season LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) — injured reserve, “close” to returning, per Dan Campbell LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) — injured reserve, progressing “slowly” CB Carlton Davis (jaw) — injured reserve, expected to miss six weeks CB Khalil Dorsey (ankle) — injured reserve, his season is over CB Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring) — injured reserve, “He’s close, but not yet.” S Ifeatu Melifonwu (finger) — injured reserve, 21-day injury evaluation clock started McNeill, Davis, and Dorsey were all placed on injured reserve this week, with Davis being the only one of the three to have a shot at returning later on in the postseason. Campbell also gave an update on Cominsky and the news was not good. “I think it’s unlikely,” Campbell said of Cominsky returning this season. “Man, he’s tried. He’s been rehabbing, he’s doing it. It’s just trying to get over that last little hump here. It’s been tough. He’s been doing everything he can, and those guys are doing a heck of a job rehabbing him, trying to get him back. But I think it’s unlikely.” Finally, some good news. Melifonwu started his injury evaluation clock this week and there’s a chance he could return to action soon. More on that below. No practice - Rest WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rest) LT Taylor Decker (rest) C Frank Ragnow (rest) RG Kevin Zeitler (rest) EDGE Za’Darius Smith (rest) DT DJ Reader (rest) While all the players in this section were designated as “rest” it’s worth paying a little extra attention to Decker and Reader, who, prior to this week, were dealing with knee and shoulder injuries, respectively. It’s also worth noting that St. Brown said on his podcast that he had food poisoning the night before the Bills game, so this rest period could be related to that situation. No practice - Injury RB David Montgomery (knee) LG Graham Glasgow (knee) S Brian Branch (calf) Montgomery was expected to be placed on injured reserve this week, but the Lions and Montgomery have opted to seek a third medical evaluation to see if it’s possible he could return this year. “David’s getting another opinion,” Campbell said. “So he’s had a couple, and really just see(ing) what this third one says. That’s why we have not put him on injured reserve. We’re in waiting mode here.” Glasgow was banged up against the Bills and was seen in the locker room getting some extra attention from trainers. When asked if there was anything concerning, Campbell pointed to Glasgow being sore but ok overall—so this may also be a precautionary rest situation. Branch played a full complement of snaps against the Bills but he was noticeably nursing an injury, which turns out to be a calf injury. Because Branch was able to play through the injury and was also one of the players Campbell identified when he noted players would be held out for precautionary reasons, there are reasons for optimism surrounding this non-participation. Limited practice None Full practice LB Trevor Nowaske (concussion) — returned to practice S Ifeatu Melifonwu (finger) — Injury clock days remaining: 20 Nowaske suffered a concussion mid-last week and was not cleared in time to play against the Bills. Fortunately, he was back on the practice field on Wednesday, suggesting he is progressing through the NFL’s protocols. Ben Niemann stepped in at SAM in place of Nowaske and would be in line to take those snaps again if Nowaske is unable to be cleared this week. Melifonwu has missed the Lions' entire season with groin and finger injuries but could make his return to the field right at a time when the Lions' secondary could use more depth. While Melifonwu will have three weeks to be evaluated, he is eligible to be removed from injured reserve at any time, and it’s possible he could return for this weekend’s game against the Bears. No longer listed on the injury report DL Josh Paschal (knee) DL Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) The players listed in this section no longer require a spot on the injury report. Bears' initial injury report Bears held a walkthrough on Wednesday so participation levels are estimates. Note: Starters are bolded. Did not practice on Wednesday LT Braxton Jones (concussion) LG Teven Jenkins (calf) OL Ryan Bates (concussion) DT Gervon Dexter (knee) Practiced in full RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) EDGE Darrell Taylor (shoulder)