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Detroit Lions Frank Ragnow, Bruce Irvin Not Spotted at Wednesday Practice

Originally posted on Detroit Lions on SI
By John Maakaron | Last updated Dec 6, 2023 1:52 PM ET

The Detroit Lions returned to the practice field Wednesday to prepare for their Week 14 showdown with the Chicago Bears.

With inclement weather expected in Chicago, Detroit started the week practicing outside.

Among those not observed practicing during the portion open to the media include center Frank Ragnow and outside linebacker Bruce Irvin.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who missed Sunday's game against the Saints, returned with his left hand wrapped.

With defensive tackle Alim McNeill placed on injured reserve, the Lions are forced to rely on their depth on the interior moving forward. Over the next four weeks, Levi Onwuzurike could play a bigger role.

Onwuzurike has played in six games this season while also serving as a healthy scratch at points.

Lions Alex Anzalone returns to practice
Inside Allen Park #NFL pic.twitter.com/Cx2a2YtOlb
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His productivity over his career was limited by an injury that kept him out all of last season. He has recored three tackles to this point in the season.

Dan Campbell reiterated that the team is focused on getting the third-year defender more reps heading into the season's stretch run.

"I just think, there again, it's been reps. Some of these come down to the position itself, between the bigs in the middle to OLB to hybrid," Campbell explained. "Cominsky's kind of a hybrid, Romeo's a little bit in that nature. So we can't overload in one position or another, so he's kind of been the odd guy out but he works his rear off and it's really time on task. The more reps he gets, the better he's gonna be. He continues to grow, so, you know, we're not disappointed with him. We're excited that he's healthy and he's able to work, man. He is growing, he is getting better."

This article first appeared on Detroit Lions on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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