DONE DEAL: Detroit Lions down another key man in blockbuster trade over Rams just now

ALLEN PARK — Detroit Lions safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Loren Strickland were absent from Tuesday’s practice as the team intensified preparations for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Melifonwu is nursing a lower-body injury that has sidelined him since a preseason game in Kansas City. The injury had been an issue before that game, leaving his availability for Sunday night’s opener uncertain. The first injury report of the week is expected on Wednesday.

“We’re still unsure about him,” head coach Dan Campbell mentioned on Sunday. “We’ll try to get him moving a bit and assess his condition. Everyone else is good to go.”

Melifonwu is coming off a standout third season in Detroit but has been moved to a backup role following Brian Branch’s position change. Kerby Joseph is anticipated to start alongside Branch this season, with Melifonwu likely to see action in three-safety sets and when Branch shifts to the slot.

Strickland, an undrafted rookie, secured a spot on the roster after an impressive training camp.

The rest of the roster participated in practice, including defensive tackle DJ Reader, who was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list. Reader was initially expected to return in Week 2, but his timeline could be adjusted to Week 1 depending on this week’s progress.