Ifeatu Melifonwu Injury News & Updates

Melifonwu (hand) is active for Thursday's game against the Ravens.

Melifonwu sustained a hand injury during the Dolphins' Week 8 win over the Falcons, but he has been cleared to play Thursday despite the shortened week. With Ashtyn Davis (quadriceps) sidelined, Melifonwu will likely start at safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The Dolphins listed Melifonwu (hand) as questionable for Thursday's game against the Ravens, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Melifonwu was able to practice in full Wednesday, but he isn't guaranteed to play Thursday due to a hand injury he sustained during the Dolphins' 34-10 win over the Falcons on Sunday. He would be in line to start at safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick if Ashtyn Davis -- who is listed as doubtful due to a quad injury -- is not cleared to play. If Melifonwu and Davis were both inactive, then Elijah Campbell would likely get the starting nod at safety next to Fitzpatrick.

Melifonwu (hand) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Melifonwu was also listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report. He played 86 percent of defensive snaps during Miami's win over the Falcons in Week 8 before being forced off the field due to a hand injury. With Ashtyn Davis (quadriceps) still not practicing, it will be crucial for the Dolphins' secondary if at least one of he and/or Melifonwu is able to suit up and start at safety versus the Ravens on Thursday.

The Dolphins estimated Melifonwu (hand) as a limited practice participant on Monday's report, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Melifonwu was unable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons after sustaining a hand injury, and he finished the contest with five tackles (four solo) while playing 44 snaps on defense and eight on special teams. The Dolphins are operating on a short week as they play against the Ravens on Thursday, so Melifonwu will have less time to recover prior to that contest. With Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis (quadriceps) both dealing with injuries, the Dolphins may have to turn to Elijah Campbell or Dante Trader to start at safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick for Week 9 against Baltimore.

Melifonwu is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 8 game against Atlanta due to a hand injury.

Melifonwu was deemed questionable around the midway point of the third quarter. He tallied three tackles prior to his exit. Fellow safety Ashtyn Davis exited with a quad injury early in the contest, so Miami has turned to Dante Trader to log snaps in the secondary.

Melifonwu (calf) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Melifonwu was unable to play against the Bills in Week 3 due to a calf injury that he suffered during the Dolphins' Week 2 loss to the Patriots. His ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he should suit up in Monday's AFC East clash against the Jets, barring a setback. Melifonwu has logged 10 tackles (nine solo) through two games this season.

Melifonwu (calf) is ruled out for Thursday's road game against the Bills, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Melifonwu suffered a calf injury Week 2 against the Patriots and hasn't resumed practicing in any capacity since, making it unsurprising to see him now ruled out for Thursday Night Football. In his stead, Ashtyn Davis looks set to start alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick versus Buffalo. Melifonwu's next opportunity to retake the field will come Monday, Sept. 29 versus the Jets.

Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday that Melifonwu (calf) is unlikely to play in Thursday night's matchup against the Bills, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The first-year Dolphin appears to have picked up a calf injury in Miami's Week 2 loss to the Patriots, though he still managed to record four total tackles across 33 defensive snaps. While McDaniel didn't officially rule Melifonwu out for Week 3, he mentioned the difficulty of dealing with soft-tissue injuries on a short week. Melifonwu's practice participation will likely provide the the best indication of his availability Thursday night, but if he's unable to go, expect Ashtyn Davis to start opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The Dolphins activated Melifonwu (undisclosed) off the active/non-football injury list Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Melifonwu began training camp on the NFI list, but he was able to participate in his first practice Saturday, per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. The former Detroit Lion could push for a Week 1 starting role over the remainder of training camp, especially if the ankle injury Ashtyn Davis suffered last Tuesday lingers into the regular season.

The Dolphins placed Melifonwu (undisclosed) on the active/non-football injury list Tuesday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Melifonwu dealt with a hamstring injury at the end of last season, but his placement on the NFI would suggest he's dealing with some sort of injury he suffered while working out away from the team. After spending the first four years of his career in Detroit, Melifonwu inked a one-year deal with the Dolphins back in March.

Melifonwu (hamstring) is in line to sign a one-year, $4 million contract with the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Melifonwu will likely handle a starting role in the Dolphins' secondary, with both Jevon Holland (signing with Giants) and Jordan Poyer (set for free agency) in line to depart the team this offseason. An ankle injury forced the 2021 third-round pick to delay his 2024 debut until Week 16, but once available he handled a starting role in Detroit's secondary until a hamstring issue knocked him out of the NFC Championship Game. Melifonwu figures to be ready for the start of Miami's offseason activities, though.

Melifonwu (hamstring) played in three regular-season games in 2024 and finished with 10 tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks.

The 2021 third-round pick didn't make his regular-season debut until Week 16 against the Bears due to ankle and hand injuries. He was instantly inserted as the starting safety alongside Kerby Joseph and had a productive end to the regular season, but Melifonwu was unable to finish the Lions' NFC divisional-round loss against the Commanders after suffering a hamstring injury. Melifonwu enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, though he told reporters Tuesday that he would like to re-sign with Detroit, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site.

Melifonwu suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Commanders and is questionable to return.

Melifonwu missed most of the regular season with a hand injury and he's run into some more bad luck. He's also the latest player to go down in a beat-up Detroit secondary.

Melifonwu (hand) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Melifonwu was sidelined for the Lions' first 14 regular-season games due to ankle and hand injuries, but the 25-year-old safety will make his 2024 debut Sunday and provide depth at safety behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Across 17 regular-season games in 2023, Melifonwu logged 33 tackles (24 solo), including 3.0 sacks, eight pass defenses (including two interceptions) and one forced fumble.

Melifonwu (hand) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Melifwonwu is back on Detroit's active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears, but he's still listed as questionable on the injury report. If cleared for action, Melifonwu will provide valuable safety depth for the banged-up Lions defense.

Melifonwu (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.

Melifonwu was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and practiced in full all week, suggesting he could play for the first time this season in Sunday's divisional matchup. However, the Syracuse product must still be added to the active roster in order to suit up in Week 16. If Melifonwu is activated in time, he's expected to serve as Detroit's top reserve safety.

Melifonwu (hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

On the same day he was designated to return from injured reserve, Melifonwu started out strong with a full practice in the Lions' first official practice of the week Wednesday. He's been sidelined for the entire regular season due to ankle and hand injuries, but if he's able to practice in full over the next two days, he would be on track to make his 2024 regular-season debut against the Bears on Sunday.

Melifonwu (undisclosed) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Syracuse product has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury and an undisclosed issue. However, his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, suggesting he's nearing a return to the field. If Melifonwu is activated to Detroit's active roster in time for the Week 16 matchup against the Bears, he could serve as the team's top reserve safety. If not, Brandon Joseph is likely to occupy that role.

The Lions placed Melifonwu (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Melifonwu was activated from injured reserve Monday but heads back to the list 24 hours later after suffering a setback unrelated to the ankle injury that previously landed him there, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Melifonwu will have to miss at least another four games minimum and won't be eligible to play until Week 16 versus Chicago.

The Lions activated Melifonwu (ankle) from injured reserve Monday.

Despite head coach Dan Campbell telling reporters earlier Monday that Melifonwu suffered a setback and "won't be ready for a while," the Lions have added him to their active roster. Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports that Melifonwu didn't practice last week Friday after sustaining a different injury than the one that landed him on IR, leaving his status for Detroit's Week 12 matchup against the Colts uncertain. His participation in practice throughout this week will likely offer the best indication of whether he can return to the field Sunday.

Head coach Dan Campell stated Monday that Melifonwu (ankle) suffered a setback, and 'he won't be ready for a while," Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

Melifonwu had his 21-day window to practice with the team opened on Nov. 6. According to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com, the Syracuse product suffered a different injury, and didn't aggravate the previous one. If he is not near ready to play when his window closes Nov. 27, the Lions will either need to use an active roster spot on him anyway or return him to IR, officially ending his season.

Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Melifonwu remains on injured reserve after his 21-day practice window was opened last Wednesday. He'll get another week of practice ahead of Week 12 against the Colts.

Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Houston.

Melifonwu has been on injured reserve since late September due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 1, but his 21-day practice window to return from IR opened Wednesday, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site. He was a full practice participant all week, and while he won't suit up Sunday, he has good chance at playing in Week 11 against Jacksonville on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Melifonwu (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.

Melifonwu has yet to appear in a game this season after sustaining an ankle injury during Lions' practice in early September. The Syracuse product will now be forced to miss Detroit's next four contests after moving to IR. Expect Brandon Joseph to serve as Detroit's top reserve safety while Menifonwu continues recovering from his ankle issue.

Melifonwu (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's game against Arizona.

Melifonwu continues to nurse an ankle injury that has prevented him from taking the field so far this season. The safety didn't practice in any capacity this week, so it's unclear how close he may be to making a return. Melifonwu's next chance to make his season debut will come on Monday Night Football against Seattle on Sept. 30.

Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.

Melifonwu being ruled out for Sunday's affair comes as no surprise, as the 25-year-old was held out of practice all week due to an ankle injury. Expect Brandon Joseph and Loren Strickland to serve as the Lions' reserve safeties while Melifonwu remains sidelined.

Melifonwu (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Despite logging three consecutive limited practices last week, Melifonwu was unable to suit up for Week 1 against the Rams. The fact that the 2021 third-round pick wasn't able to practice in any capacity Wednesday doesn't bode well for his chances of playing against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Melifonwu will have two more chances Thursday and Friday to see the field and prepare for Week 2.

Melifonwu (ankle) will be inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Rams.

Melifonwu has been nursing an ankle injury at practice this week and he'll be forced to miss the team's opener versus Los Angeles. The safety was able to participate in a limited capacity at practice during the week, so he'll likely be able to return to the field sooner rather than later.

Melifonwu (ankle) is doubtful for Detroit's season opener against the Rams after logging limited practices all week, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Melifonwu will has been unable to log a full practice this week, and he'll now likely miss out on the Lions' first game of the year. The 6-foot-2 safety's true status should be revealed closer to kickoff, but a doubtful tag is not promising. He recorded 33 tackles (24 solo), 3.0 sacks, eight passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble in the 2023 season which was his third with Detroit.

Melifonwu (ankle) was limited during Thursday's practice session.

Melifonwu appears to have sustained an ankle injury earlier in the week. His participation in Friday's practice session will provide a clearer picture as to whether he can suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Rams. Melifonwu played in all 17 regular-season games for Detroit last season, and he finished with 33 tackles (24 solo), including 3.0 sacks, eight passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

Melifonwu (undisclosed) is the only injury concern for the Lions in Week 1, head coach Dan Campbell stated Monday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Melifonwu's injury details are unclear, other than the Syracuse product can be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams. His practice status in the days ahead should shed some light on his potential availability as the team's season opener approaches.

Melifonwu recorded 33 tackles, three sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble over 17 games in 2023.

Seeing extended playing time just twice in the first 12 games of the season, Melifonwu ended the year with a bang after being pushed into a large role for a second time in Week 14. From that point on, the Syracuse product did enough to finish the season tied for second among safeties in sacks and top 20 in passes defended despite seeing more than seven percent of the defensive snaps in just seven of 17 games. Melifonwu then finished third among all players in sacks (two) and 11th in tackles (16) during the postseason. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2021 third-rounder seems headed for a big role in 2024 regardless of any additions the Lions could make to the secondary this offseason.

Melifonwu had three solo tackles and an interception in Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.

Melifonwu's interception came on the Cowboys' first possession of the game when picked off Dak Prescott on a pass intended for CeeDee Lamb and returned it for 24 yards. It's the second straight game Melifonwu has registered an INT and the third time in four contests that he's registered at least 61 snaps on defense. He's been the starting strong safety the past four games, however his snap count drop if C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) returns from IR.

Melifonwu totaled five tackles with two sacks and two pass breakups with one interception during Sunday's win over the Vikings.

Logging at least 98 percent of the defensive snaps for the third straight game, Melifonwu put together another impressive stat line with no component more important than the game-sealing interception he snagged with little time left in regulation. However, his pass-rushing prowess has also been impressive considering Melifonwu went from zero sacks a couple of weeks ago to being tied for third among safeties with three sacks in his last two games. The 2021 third-round pick will look to keep rolling in a Week 17 showdown with the Cowboys.

Melifonwu registered nine tackles (six solo), including a sack, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in Detroit's 42-17 win versus Denver on Saturday.

Melifonwu had a dominant outing Sunday, finishing with a new season-high for tackles and also logged the first full sack of his career. The 24-year-old has now compiled 20 tackles (13 solo) in 14 appearances this season.

Melifonwu (hand) is active Sunday against the Bears.

Melifonwu dealt with a hand injury throughout the week, but he was able to log back-to-back full practices Thursday and Friday and will now be good to take the field Sunday.

Melifonwu will start Sunday against the Falcons, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

The third-year pro is getting the nod with starting safeties Kerby Joseph (hip) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) out with injuries. Melifonwu, a 2021 third-round pick, started five games over his first two seasons and recorded 29 tackles.

Melifonwu stood out at safety during recent minicamp practices, John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated reports.

Melifonwu, who began converting from cornerback to safety last season, will need to keep the momentum going into training camp in order to claim a role behind Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph.

Melifonwu (ankle) was listed as a full participant on the Lions' practice report Wednesday.

Melifonwu has been sidelined for the past four games while dealing with an ankle injury, though he appears to have finally worked past this issue ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants. The second-year cornerback was also ruled out for each of the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury, leaving him available to play just 17 total snaps over two games in 2022.

Melifonwu (ankle) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Melifonwu will now miss his fourth consecutive contest as a result of an ankle injury. He's logged just four defensive snaps thus far in 2022, so his absence isn't expected to alter Detroit's defensive game plan too much.

Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Melifonwu will miss a third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. His next chance to suit up will come in Week 10 against the Bears.

Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Melifonwu suffered the injury during the team's Week 5 loss to New England and will be out for the second consecutive game. He was unable to practice in any capacity throughout the week and also had the team's Week 6 bye to recover, so the issue appears to be significant.

Melifonwu (ankle) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Melifonwu exited Detroit's Week 5 matchup against New England with an ankle injury and failed to practice in any capacity this week. He's managed to suit for only two games this season, previously bothered by a hamstring injury.

Melifonwu is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Patriots due to an ankle injury.

Melifonwu recorded one tackle before leaving the contest in the second half. Kerby Joseph is currently the only healthy safety on the active roster, so a cornerback will likely be thrust into a new role until Melifonwu is able to return.

Melifonwu (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's contest against the Vikings.

While Melifonwu was dealing with a hamstring injury this week, it appears he won't take the field for his season debut due to the coach's decision. Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott, the team's starting safeties, will both be active for Sunday's matchup.

Melifonwu (hamstring) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.

Melifonwu missed the first two games of the campaign due to a hamstring issue, but it appears he'll be available to make his season debut in Week 3. As a rookie, the 2021 third-round pick recorded 15 tackles across seven appearances, and he figures to garner a similar backup role behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott in 2022.

Melifonwu (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against the Commanders.

It's not surprising Melifonwu is out as he has been practicing on and off since the start of the season. Kerby Joseph will likely take over his role again and serve as the backup to starting safety Tracy Walker.

Melifonwu (hamstring) is inactive Week 1 against the Eagles.

The second-year reserve safety had entered the week with a "doubtful" tag after logging limited practices each time out, so it's no surprise to see Melifonwu on the inactive list. Instead, Kerby Joseph would now appear to be in line to serve as the backup to starting strong safety Tracy Walker.

Melifonwu (hamstring) is considered doutbful for Sunday's game versus the Eagles, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Melifonwu has been sidelined for a couple weeks with a nagging hamstring issue. If he is indeed ultimately ruled out, Juju Hughes and Kerby Joseph would be the primary depth available behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott at safety.

Melifonwu has recently missed time due to an undisclosed injury, Jeremy Reisman of USA Today reports.

It's not clear if Melifonwu is dealing with an ailment related to the undisclosed injury that prevented him from fully taking part in June minicamp. It is also not clear when Melifonwu could be back in action. For now, Detroit will enter Week 1 with JuJu Hughes as the top backup at safety behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott.

Melifonwu (undisclosed) recently participated in individual drills without any noticeable restrictions, the Woodward Sports Network reports.

Melifonwu missed some practice time in June due to an undisclosed injury, but it appears he is past that issue in advance of training camp. This bodes well for the 23-year-old who has spent the offseason transitioning from cornerback to safety, where he will compete with Brady Breeze, Kerby Joseph and C.J. Moore for snaps behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott.

Melifonwu missed the end of offseason workouts due to an undisclosed injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

While the nature of Melifonwu's situation is not clear, there do not appear to be any reported concerns of him having a severe injury. What is more clear is that it seems the 23-year-old will be playing a lot of safety this fall after being drafted as a cornerback in the third round last year only to practice at safety throughout this offseason. Given the number of promising young cornerbacks on the roster compared to the depth Detroit has at safety, this position change could be his best path to consistent playing time, especially if Jeff Okudah (Achilles) can get healthy.

Melifonwu has been playing safety this offseason, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.

As a third-round rookie in 2021, Melifonwu got the Week 2 start at outside cornerback in place of Jeff Okudah (Achilles) but then missed the next nine weeks with a quadriceps injury. He returned down the stretch to log significant time at slot cornerback, and in Week 16 he was used to match up with Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. Now he is getting time at safety, likely making the 6-foot-2 23-year-old one of the most versatile pieces in Detroit's secondary. With that said, the path to getting a large role opposite Tracy Walker involves beating out DeShon Elliott and third-round draft pick Kerby Joseph.

Melifonwu (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Melifonwu missed the team's Week 14 loss to the Broncos, though he should be ready to retake the field Sunday against the Cardinals. He's managed to play in only three games this season due to a thigh injury, and has been limited primarily to a special teams role when active.

Melifonwu was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Melifonwu has had a rough start to his NFL career, missing the majority of the season due to a thigh injury picked up in Week 2 against Green Bay. He returned in Week 13 against the Vikings, but now enters COVID protocols. With Mark Gilbert also being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, the Lions secondary depth will be stretched thin Sunday against the Broncos.

Melifonwu (thigh) was activated from injured reserve Monday,

Melifonwu has been out of action since Week 2. The Lions' 2021 third-round selection had played a total or 42 snaps on defense with two tackles and a pass defensed before the injury. With AJ Parker (ankle) placed on IR last week, Melifonwu's return will help bolster the depth in the Lions' secondary.

Melifonwu (thigh) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Melifonwu returned to practice Wednesday, which starts the 21-day window for him to be added to the active roster. If he isn't, then he will revert back to injured reserve for the remainder of the season. The rookie cornerback hasn't played since Week 2, but it appears his return to action may be on the horizon.

The Lions placed Melifonwu (thigh) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Melifonwu will miss at least three weeks with the move to IR, but he could possibly be out longer as Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that the rookie third-round pick will be sidelined for a 'significant amount of time'. With Jeff Okudah (Achilles) already out for the year, Detroit's secondary has grown thin. The Lions signed Daryl Worley off their practice squad, but AJ Parker and Bobby Price are the most likely candidates to see increased snaps during Melifonwu's absence.

Melifonwu (thigh) is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Coach Dan Campbell said Melifonwu will miss a "significant amount of time" due to the thigh injury he suffered during Monday's loss to the Packers. By the sound of things, the rookie third-round pick seems like a real candidate for IR. With Jeff Okudah (Achilles) already out for the year, losing Melifonwu for any amount of time will be a devastating blow for Detroit's secondary.

Melifonwu is questionable to return to Monday's matchup with the Packers due to a thigh injury, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Melifonwu sustained the injury early in the third quarter. He had recorded two tackles and one pass defended prior to exiting the game. If he is unable to return look for Bobby Price to fill in for him.

Melifonwu is likely in line for a starting role after Jeff Okudah suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Melifonwu stepped in during Sunday's season opener after Okudah went down, and the rookie recovered a Deebo Samuel fumble late in the fourth quarter to give the Lions the ball back with just under a minute remaining. The 22-year-old appeared in 10 games during his final year at Syracuse and racked up 54 tackles (43 solo), a sack and an interception.