Brad Holmes 'Grinding' Ahead of Trade Deadline
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell kept his cards close to the vest Saturday with the trade deadline just days away.
When asked whether general manager Brad Holmes has brought any interesting proposals his way, the third-year coach responded with a long pause and then simply said, "Maybe. Ask Brad."
The Lions are viewed as potential playoff contenders. With the trade deadline set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the time to take measures and add external talent is running thin.
Detroit is in a unique spot, as it plays on Monday Night Football against the Raiders. This limits the amount of preparation Campbell and company can have for the trade deadline, but that hasn't stopped Holmes from doing his due diligence.
The third-year coach indicated that his focus is on preparing for the Raiders, but that the general manager has been doing plenty of work in anticipation for Tuesday's deadline.
"There'll be some things that could come up. Now, Brad's been grinding, I mean, he hasn't stopped on that," Campbell said. "So, that'll continue, that'll go all the way up to game time and beyond. But, that won't affect me or us or anything we do, man. We're business as usual."
Injury updates
Center Frank Ragnow is dealing with a calf injury, in addition to the lingering toe issue he's dealt with all season.
With the extra day of preparation, Campbell indicated that things could change regarding his center's status. Ragnow isn't anticipated to practice on Friday, but will do some work after practice with trainers.
"I don't see him going out there on the field, but I see him doing some work," Campbell explained. "He's already done some, and will do some after practice and then see where it goes. This is, still, nothing is set in stone, one way or another."
Should Ragnow be unable to go, the Lions could turn to Graham Glasgow. Other injuries -- ones to Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai -- have forced the Lions to also entertain the idea of playing Colby Sorsdal, Kayode Awosika and Dan Skipper.
In addition to Ragnow, both Vaitai and Jackson have been on Detroit's injury report throughout the week. Jackson has missed the last two games, while Vaitai missed two games earlier in the season.
