Matt Nelson Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Vikings vs Seahawks game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Aug 11, 2025
Placed on IR
Nelson (undisclosed) was placed on the Vikings' injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Nelson signed with Minnesota in July, but he's now set to miss the entirety of the 2025 campaign while sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The offensive lineman would only be eligible to return to action this season if he's able to reach an injury settlement with the Vikings.
Mar 21, 2024
Headed to New York
The Giants signed Nelson on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Nelson spent the first four years of his career with the Lions, primarily in a backup role. He appeared in three games in 2023, before suffering an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve. Nelson should serve as a depth option at right tackle for the Giants in the upcoming campaign.
Sep 28, 2023
Moves to injured reserve
Nelson was placed on injured reserve by the Lions on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
In Week 3 against the Falcons, the offensive tackle injured his ankle, left the field on a cart and did not return. Colby Sorsdal should take his place as the backup tackle Thursday versus the Packers.
Sep 27, 2023
Not playing Thursday
Nelson (ankle) will miss Detroit's game against the Packers on Thursday, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Nelson injured his ankle during the team's win against the Falcons last week and will now miss Thursday's game against the Packers as well. Colby Sorsdal will likely serve as the primary backup tackle in the injured 27-year-old's place.
Sep 24, 2023
Will not return
Nelson (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Falcons. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Nelson left the game in the first half and was originally questionable to return. However, the 27-year-old will remain sidelined at the start of the second half. Dan Skipper, who originally replaced Nelson at right tackle is now questionable to return with a hamstring injury, so Colby Sorsdal has taken over at right tackle.
Sep 24, 2023
Could return to game
Nelson (ankle) is questionable to return Sunday against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Nelson left the field on a cart, but he still has a chance to return to the game Sunday. The 27-year-old started the game at right tackle in place of Taylor Decker (ankle).
Sep 24, 2023
Exits game
Nelson was carted off the field Sunday, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.comreports.
ANALYSIS
The 27-year-old started the game against the Falcons at right tackle because Taylor Decker was out with an ankle injury. Nelson had 13 previous starts in five NFL seasons. If the tackle can't return, Dan Skipper is in line to replace him.
Nov 16, 2022
Practices in full Wednesday
Nelson (calf) was a full participant in the Lions' practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Nelson has been sidelined since picking up a calf injury ahead of the Lions' Week 5 loss to the Patriots, though he appears to be healthy again after returning to practice as a full participant in the team's first practice Week 11. The 26-year-old should slot in alongside fellow reserve tackle Dan Skipper moving forward.
Nov 13, 2022
Missing another game
Nelson (calf) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Nelson is now in line to miss his fifth consecutive contest as a result of a calf issue. His next chance to suit up will come in Week 11 versus the Giants.
Nov 4, 2022
Out for fourth straight
Nelson (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nelson will miss a fourth straight game due to a calf injury. His next chance to suit up will come in Week 10 against the Bears.
Oct 28, 2022
Will miss third consecutive game
Nelson (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nelson will miss his third consecutive game and doesn't appear close to a return after failing to practice in any capacity during the week. His ongoing absence leaves the team thin at right tackle.
Oct 21, 2022
Set for second consecutive absence
Nelson (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Nelson missed Detroit's Week 5 matchup with the calf issue and failed to log a practice in any capacity ahead of the team's matchup against Dallas. He's served as the backup right tackle when healthy, so his absence will leave the team thin at the position.
Oct 7, 2022
Won't play Sunday
Nelson (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Nelson logged a limited session Wednesday before sitting out Thursday and Friday due to a calf issue. In his absence, Dan Skipper will likely be the primary backup for both tackle spots in Week 5.
Dec 30, 2021
Activated by Detroit
The Lions activated Nelson (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Nelson landed on the COVID-19 list early last week, but it's not yet clear whether he tested positive for the virus. However, he'll now return to practice and should serve as the primary backup at right tackle Sunday against the Seahawks.
Dec 20, 2021
Goes on COVID-19 list
Nelson (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.
ANALYSIS
Nelson's move to the COVID list puts his availability for Sunday against the Falcons in jeopardy. If he is unable to clear protocols in time, Dan Skipper would likely move up the depth chart and be a primary backup to Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell at the offensive tackle position.
Dec 12, 2021
Will play Sunday
Nelson (ankle) will play Sunday against the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Nelson missed the Lions' last three games, but he was able to practice Friday and is ready to return. He'll provide depth to the Lions' offensive line, which is dealing with multiple ailments Sunday against the Broncos.
Dec 5, 2021
Remains sidelined
Nelson (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Nelson is inactive for the third consecutive game after being listed questionable. He logged limited practices throughout the week, which could be reason for optimism that Nelson will be able to return for a Week 14 matchup at Denver.
Nov 24, 2021
Not playing Sunday
Nelson (ankle) is out of Thursday's game against Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Nelson didn't practice at all during the entire week and is now set to miss a second straight contest. Expect Will Holden to remain as his replacement while Nelson's next chance to play would be against the Vikings on Dec. 5.
Nov 19, 2021
Ruled out Sunday
Nelson (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Browns, according to Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site.
ANALYSIS
Nelson hadn't missed a single snap prior to suffering the injury this past weekend, and while he logged a limited practice Thursday, he was unable to practice Friday and this leads to Sunday being his first absence of the season. As a result, Will Holden is expected to start in his place.
Nov 14, 2021
Questionable to return
Nelson is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Steelers with an ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
Nelson had not missed a snap this season until the injury. Will Holden should fill the void for the moment.
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