The afterglow of the big win over the Baltimore Ravens is over, so attention must now be directed towards the Cleveland Browns. Yes, the same Browns who we were thanking just three days ago for knocking off the Packers.

The Browns are led by 40-year-old Joe Flacco who is entering a special stage of his career – the one where he is experiencing culture shock having to work with receivers who are young enough to be his children.

Speaking of culture shock, the Lions defense will need to quickly adapt strategy from dual-threat Lamar Jackson to a highly experienced, dropback passer in Flacco.

Fortunately, three weeks into the season, the Lions defense is mostly healthy and may be just starting to hit its stride. Key players who were coming off serious leg injuries in Aidan Hutchinson (tib/fib) and Derrick Barnes (MCL/PCL) are overcoming mental hurdles and ramping up productivity.

On the other side of the ball, the Lions offense will be facing the formidable Browns defense which ranks first in total yards allowed per game (204) and rushing yards allowed per game (57).

It’s a good test for the Lions offense which has been the strength of the team for multiple years – partly due to their excellent health. Last year, the offense was remarkably healthy with the most significant injury being David Montgomery (MCL). After last game against the Ravens, it’s clear that Montgomery is back to form. He along with all the offensive starters are expected to be intact heading into Week 4.

The initial injury report of the week included multiple surprises on defense – the most concerning of which may be to Lions sack leader, Al-Quadin Muhammad. Of note, the report is an estimate for the Lions as they only had a walkthrough. Thus, take it with a bigger grain of salt than usual.

(NP – no practice, LP – limited practice, FP – full practice)

______________________________DETROIT LIONS (estimate due to walkthrough)LP – Derrick Barnes, LB (knee) starter

Barnes is a surprise listing as he played 82% of snaps, which included the entirety of the Ravens final drive.  The LP is reassuring that it isn’t anything serious.

In reviewing the tape, Barnes played the entire 4th quarter with a right knee wrap that hadn’t been present prior to that. This is the same knee that suffered the surgical MCL/PCL last season.

NP – Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE (knee) starter

Muhammad is the other surprise listing on the defense. Like with Barnes, he played the entirety of the final Ravens drive with no visible issue. Hoping that means there is no significant injury here. However, since he is listed with an NP, that could imply it’s more significant than Barnes’ knee which has an LP.

NP – Taylor Decker, OT (shoulder) starter

Decker likely will continue to get shoulder rest days like he has throughout the season so far. There’s no concern for his availability at this point. He played 100% of snaps vs the Ravens.

FP – DJ Reed, CB (cramping) starter

Reed played the entire final Ravens drive except for the final play which was a touchdown. He also was not in on the 2-point attempt. It looks like cramping is the benign reason.

Last week, Reed was on the report with a surprise knee. Good to see the knee is off the report now.

NP – Sione Vaki, RB (groin)

Vaki may have hurt himself at the end of the first half on punt coverage. The severity is unknown. Since he only just returned from a hamstring issue, I would expect this new groin injury to keep him out for at least a couple weeks. We’ll see if he going on IR this week.

NP – Daniel Thomas, S (forearm)

Thomas has been sporting a big splint/cast on his left hand since his hand fracture in Week 1. During the Ravens game, he had a small wrap on his right forearm from the beginning of the game. He was still playing on punt return duties late into the 4th quarter which is reassuring. I didn’t see any injury on video and am not too concerned here.

Notables unlistedKerby Joseph has been dealing with a knee for the past two weeks as well as during training camp. Good to see him unlisted.Aidan Hutchinson had his left knee ice-wrapped after the game. Good to see he’s fine.Graham Glasgow may have gotten rolled up on in the 2nd quarter, and appears to have avoided any injury.PUP/NFI – must miss first 4 games of seasonAlim McNeill, DT (ACL) – Expect NovemberMalcolm Rodriguez, LB (ACL) – Expect late October to NovemberMiles Frazier, OG (knee) – Maybe OctoberJosh Paschal, EDGE (unspecified cleanup surgery) – Maybe October. On September 20, Campbell stated: “He’s improving, that’s the best I can tell you.”IR (injured reserve) – eligible to return this season

(Rules recap: There is no limit to the number of players that can be placed on IR. Must stay on IR for minimum 4 games. Only 8 are allowed to return during regular season plus bonus 2 for the playoffs. Last season, Lions used 7 returns during regular season and 1 during playoffs.)

Marcus Davenport, EDGE (right pec strain, 9/14) – Can return Week 7 (October 20), but expect November.Shane Zylstra, TE (right ankle 9/14) – Can return Week 7.Jamarco Jones, OT (ankle 9/4) – Ruled out for season.Ezekiel Turner, LB (Achilles 8/23) – Unknown prognosis but likely long-term. Note: there is uncertainty whether Turner was actually designated eligible to return on the cutdown date.IR – NOT eligible to return this season (key players listed)Ennis Rakestraw, CB (shoulder)Levi Onwuzurike, DT (ACL)Kenny Yeboah, TE (unspecified)Colby Sorsdal, OG (leg)Justin Herron, OT (arm)Dan Jackson, S (leg)OTHERAhmed Hassanein, EDGE (pec strain 8/16) – This 6th-round rookie was waived with an injury settlement before the season. The Lions can sign him 3 weeks after the duration of the settlement – that date of which is unknown. A mild pec strain could be ready within 1 month, so it’s possible he could be back with the team in October._________________________CLEVELAND BROWNSLP – Jack Conklin, OT (elbow)

This starting OT has missed the last two games. His replacement, Dawand Jones, just went on IR with a right knee.

LP – Joel Bitonio, OG (back, rest)LP – Grant Delpit, S (back)LP – Myles Garrett, DE (rest)NP – Mike Hall, DT (knee)NP – Shelby Harris, DT (hamstring)LP – David Njoku, TE (knee)LP – Cedric Tillman, WR (hand, hip)NP – Denzel Ward, CB (shoulder)