Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced on Wednesday that Guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai had back surgery in Dallas earlier this week. This came as a result of an injury he suffered in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Vaitai was placed on injured reserve last week, meaning he would miss, at least, the first four games. This update likely means he will be out longer than the original four weeks. But Dan Campbell says he hopes that it’s not a season-ending injury.
After the huge hit to the Lions’ offensive line, the team tried several combinations to determine who would take that spot. Tommy Kraemer was the initial thought to replace Vaitai, but he was also out last week with a back injury. Logan Stenberg filled those shoes in week one against the Philadelphia Eagles. The start was the first in his career.
Coach Campbell mentioned Frank Ragnow will not practice Wednesday. That leaves another hole they have to fill going into week two against the Washington Commanders.
Maddy Miller – Detroit Lions Beat Reporter
Photo Credit: Junfu Han / USA Today Network
