Lions injury updates: Penei Sewell, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brodric Martin

After his team's final preseason game, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed the good news from earlier this week: Offensive tackle Penei Sewell – like running back Craig Reynolds – avoided a serious injury during training and will be fit again in the future.

“Sewell and Craig will be good,” Campbell said.

Unfortunately, the news doesn't seem to be as good for safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. It's unclear when the fourth-year safety sustained his injury, but he missed both practices this week and did not play in Saturday's preseason game. Campbell said the timing of his injury is unclear, but it may not necessarily be long-term.

“Not sure. He's been out for a while. We don't feel like it's long-term, but it's still a while. So I'm not so sure. I don't know when we'll get him back or what the timeline is for him to come back.”

Additionally, second-year defensive tackle Brodric Martin was injured in the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Campbell described the injury as a “hyperextension” and could not provide a timeline for his recovery.

“I don't think it's anything long-term, but it's enough to be in pain here for a while,” Campbell said.

The injuries to Melfionwu and Martin could impact the way the Lions make their roster cuts, which are set to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 27. If Melifonwu is out, the Lions will need someone to step in as the primary backup to the safeties behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. That could open up an opportunity for players like Brandon Joseph, Loren Strickland or CJ Moore.

As for Martin, the Lions have Kyle Peko and — potentially — DJ Reader at nose tackle. Reader remains on the physically unable to perform list, but Campbell noted they could try to get him on the practice field next week.