Daniel Thomas Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Cowboys vs Lions game on Thursday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 9, 2025
Ready to play
Thomas (forearm) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
The safety was activated from IR on Saturday. Thomas has not played since going down with the forearm injury in Week 3. The sixth-year pro has played on 50 special-teams snaps and nine defensive snaps in 2025, recording two tackles (one solo).
Nov 8, 2025
Activated from IR
The Lions activated Thomas (forearm) from injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Thomas remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders, but this move would suggest he's on track to play for the first time since going down with the forearm injury in Week 3. Thomas logged just nine defensive snaps across the first three games of the season but is a fixture on special teams for Detroit.
Nov 1, 2025
Not activated for Week 9
Thomas (forearm) was not activated from injured reserve and has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
With Thomas' 21-day practice window opened earlier this week, his status for Sunday's game was in question. The team reported on X that he will not play this week and will remain on the injured reserve. The 2020 fifth-rounder is in the final stages of his recovery from a broken forearm sustained in late September, and will now look to return to the active roster for Week 10.
Oct 27, 2025
Designated to return from IR
The Lions designated Thomas (forearm) to return from injured reserve Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
ANALYSIS
Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News initially reported that Thomas would be designated to return from IR on Tuesday, but the Lions have opted to open the 2020 fifth-rounder's 21-day practice window a day earlier. Thomas is in the final stages of his recovery from a broken forearm that he sustained in late September, and his practice participation this week will determine whether he's activated off IR ahead of the Lions' NFC North tilt against the Vikings on Sunday.
Oct 27, 2025
Set to have practice window opened
The Lions plan on opening Thomas' (forearm) 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve Tuesday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas underwent surgery to repair a broken forearm that he sustained during the Lions' Week 3 win over the Ravens, which prompted his placement on injured reserve. The 2020 fifth-rounder has had five weeks to recover and will be cleared to practice once he is designated to return from IR by the Lions. That gives Thomas a chance to be activated from IR ahead of Detroit's Week 9 clash against Minnesota on Sunday. He mostly served in a special-teams role when healthy, though he could see an increased role in the secondary if Kerby Joseph (knee) misses time.
Oct 14, 2025
Underwent forearm surgery
Thomas underwent surgery on his broken forearm but could return from injured reserve when eligible in Week 9 versus Minnesota, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas suffered the injury on special teams in Week 3 against the Ravens. He'd previously been dealing with a broken hand on the same side. Thomas is a special-teams asset and reserve safety for the Lions.
Sep 27, 2025
Moves to IR
Thomas (forearm) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The 27-year-old safety didn't practice all week after sustaining a forearm injury in Detroit's Week 3 win over the Ravens, and he'll now be forced to miss the team's next four games. Thomas has played 59 total snaps (nine on defense, 50 on special teams) through three contests this season, recording two total tackles.
Sep 26, 2025
Unavailable for Week 4
Thomas (forearm) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Browns, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was absent from practice throughout the entire week as he nurses an apparent forearm injury. In his absence, Thomas Harper may be asked to operate in a larger role at reserve safety behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph versus Cleveland.
Sep 10, 2025
Full participant in practice
Thomas (hand) was a full participant in Detroit's practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has seemingly recovered from the hand injury he suffered during the first quarter of the team's Week 1 loss to the Packers. The 27-year-old should be good to go for Sunday's matchup versus the Bears, where he will likely serve as a backup safety behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch once again.
Sep 7, 2025
Exits game with hand injury
Thomas is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Packers due to a hand injury.
ANALYSIS
Thomas may have picked up the injury during the Lions' first defensive drive in the first quarter. He'll undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury and whether he can return to Sunday's contest. Thomas entered Sunday's game as the only reserve safety on the active roster behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
Oct 13, 2024
Ready to play Sunday
Thomas (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears in London.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has been cleared to play Sunday, despite missing the Jaguars' Week 5 win over the Colts and then being listed as questionable heading into the weekend after he was a limited participant in practices Wednesday through Friday. He should reprise his usual role as a backup safety and core special-teams contributor.
Oct 11, 2024
Questionable for Week 6
Thomas (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas sustained a hamstring injury during Jaguars' practice last week that sidelined him for the team's Week 5 win over the Colts. However, he's got a chance to return in Week 6 after logging three consecutive limited practice sessions. If Thomas can't play through his hamstring injury Sunday, expect Darnell Savage to see increased work as the Jaguars' top reserve safety.
Oct 6, 2024
Not playing Sunday
Thomas (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against th Colts.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was a late addition to the injury report, not showing up on it until Friday when he logged a limited practice. His absence will leave the Jaguars lighter on depth in the secondary for Week 5.
Sep 13, 2024
Returning to action Sunday
Thomas (Achilles) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's Week 2 clash with Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
Thomas hurt his Achilles during training camp in mid-August and missed Jacksonville's season-opening loss to Miami. However, he practiced in full Friday following a pair of limited sessions to start the week and doesn't have an injury designation heading into the weekend. Thomas will likely work mostly on special teams Week 2 as he did last season.
Sep 7, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Thomas (Achilles) has been ruled for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Dolphins, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas sustained an Achilles injury in mid-August, and while he was able to log three-straight limited practices leading up to Week 1, he'll be held out for Sunday's contest. With fellow safeties Andrew Wingard (knee) and Tashaun Gipson (suspension) also out, Terrell Edmunds will serve as the primary backup behind starters Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage.
Sep 6, 2024
Could play Sunday
Thomas (Achilles) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas' availability Sunday is now in jeopardy after logging a limited week of practice due to an Achilles injury. Jacksonville could be thin at safety in Week 1 if Thomas is unable to suit up, as the team is already without Tashaun Gipson (suspension) and Andrew Wingard (knee).
Sep 4, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Thomas (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The fifth-year safety out of Auburn has been dealing with this Achilles issue for the last three weeks, but it appears he could be nearing a full return to the field after Wednesday's limited practice session. Once Thomas is past his injury, he's expected to play behind Andre Cisco in Jacksonville's secondary.
Aug 26, 2024
Considered day-to-day
Coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Thomas is day-to-day with his heel injury, John Shipley of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has been sidelined with a heel issue for almost two weeks now, but it seems like he's now close to suiting back up. If he makes Jacksonville's final 53-man roster for 2024, it will probably be as a special teams ace.
Aug 15, 2024
Dealing with heel injury
Thomas missed practice Thursday with a heel injury, Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas is headed into his fifth season with the Jaguars after being taken in the fifth round of the 2020 Draft. He doesn't see much action on defense but has been a stalwart on special teams for Jacksonville.
Jul 25, 2024
Past forearm injury
Thomas (forearm) was spotted participating in Thursday's practice, Bob Self of the Florida Times-Union reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas missed the final two games of Jacksonville's 2023 campaign due to a forearm injury, but it now appears that he's moved past the issue. The Auburn product has played almost strictly on special teams over the past two years (480 of 526 total snaps on special teams), and he's expected to compete for a similar role ahead of the Jaguars' 2024 season.
Mar 7, 2024
Re-ups with Jags
Jacksonville and Thomas (forearm) agreed to terms Thursday on a contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas' new contract is reportedly a two-year deal worth up to $6 million, per Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com. The fifth-year veteran is working his way from a season-ending forearm fracture, but that doesn't seem likely to significantly impact his offseason work. In addition to being a standout on special teams, Thomas is capable of contributing as a backup at safety.
Dec 26, 2023
Officially goes to IR
Jacksonville placed Thomas (forearm) on its injured reserve list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
In a corresponding move, the Jaguars signed Matt Barkley to their active roster from the Giants' practice squad Tuesday. Thomas will technically become eligible to suit up again the week of the AFC Championship if Jacksonville's season isn't already over.
Dec 26, 2023
Breaks forearm
Head coach Doug Pederson told reporters that Thomas broke his left forearm in Sunday's 30-12 loss to the Buccaneers, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 25-year-old safety had been a standout special-teamer for the Jaguars this season, but it now seems as if he could miss substantial time with a broken left forearm. Thomas appeared in all 15 of Jacksonville's games before suffering this injury, playing 257 total snaps (243 on special teams) and recording eight total tackles.
Dec 24, 2023
Exits with forearm injury
Thomas (forearm) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has primarily served on special teams this season. He did not record a stat before leaving Sunday's contest.
Nov 12, 2023
Will play Week 10
Thomas (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Thomas sustained the hamstring injury in Week 8 against the Steelers, but took advantage of the bye week and will provide depth at safety behind Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins while contributing to special teams as well.
Nov 10, 2023
Questionable for Sunday vs. 49ers
Thomas (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was limited at practice during the week after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 8 at Pittsburgh before Jacksonville's bye in Week 9. If he's not able to return for Week 10, the Jaguars will need to try to find a way to replace his production on special teams.
Oct 29, 2023
Exits game with hamstring injury
Thomas (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Steelers, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has contributed solely on special teams this season. With the game down to the two-minute warning, he's unlikely to return to the field.
Jan 3, 2022
Eight tackles in start
Thomas had eight tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 50-10 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
The 2020 fifth-round pick made his first start of the season and played 88 percent of the defensive snaps with Rayshawn Jenkins (ankle) on injured reserve and Andrew Wingard (undisclosed) on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Thomas should serve as the No. 3 safety in Week 18 if Wingard remains sidelined, otherwise he'll likely receive another start.
Aug 19, 2021
Returns to practice
Thomas was reinstated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was away from the team for just over 10 days and missed the team's preseason opener against the Browns. The 23-year-old appeared in 10 games last year before he landed on injured reserve with an arm injury, and he'll attempt to carve out a role in Jacksonville's defense across the final few weeks of camp.
Aug 9, 2021
Placed on COVID-19 list
Thomas was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Mark Long of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas will need to clear COVID protocols before he's eligible to resume practicing. His absence could stretch past Jacksonville's preseason opener, which is scheduled for Aug. 14 against the Browns.
Aug 9, 2021
Placed on COVID-19 list
Thomas was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Mark Long of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas will need to clear COVID protocols before he's eligible to resume practicing. His absence could stretch past Jacksonville's preseason opener, which is scheduled for Aug. 14 against the Browns.
Nov 24, 2020
Lands on injured reserve
Thomas (arm) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Coach Doug Marrone said the arm injury will cause the 22-year-old to miss "considerable time," so a move to IR isn't surprising. Andrew Wingard is poised to take over starting duties at strong safety since previous starter Josh Jones (chest) is also on IR. Thomas will be eligible to return Dec. 20 at Baltimore, though it's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined.
Nov 23, 2020
Set to miss multiple games
Coach Doug Marrone said Monday that Thomas (arm) will miss "considerable time," John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Marrone handed Thomas, Josh Allen (knee) and DJ Hayden (knee) the same timeline to return, which wasn't definitive but hints at a multi-game absence for each player. Thomas started his second game of the year in Sunday's loss to the Steelers because Josh Jones (chest) is on IR, and it appears the Jaguars will deploy their third starting strong safety in four games. Andrew Wingard is the top candidate to take Thomas' place.
Nov 22, 2020
Sustains arm injury
Thomas exited Sunday's game against the Steelers with an arm injury.
ANALYSIS
Thomas had a pair of pass breakups before exiting the contest. The rookie fifth-round pick was questionable to return after the injury was announced coming out of halftime.
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