Rookie CB A.J. Parker headed to injured reserve for Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions cornerback A.J. Parker (41) runs a drill during their training camp practice at their team headquarters in Allen Park, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- A.J. Parker’s rookie season has come to a screeching halt.

The Detroit Lions announced on Wednesday they’re moving their first-year cornerback to injured reserve. Parker is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered in the 13-10 loss against Cleveland on Sunday. With fellow cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Ifeati Melifonwu on injured reserve, Detroit was forced to turn to safety Will Harris in the slot against the Browns. Harris could handle the assignment again when Chicago visits Ford Field on Thanksgiving.

Parker is an undrafted rookie who used a strong training camp to not only make the team, but lock down the starting slot job ahead of veterans like Corn Elder, Nickell Robey-Coleman and Mike Ford. He started strong too, wasn’t even targeted in the opener and has been a strong tackler, although he’s also allowed 25 catches on 31 targets and three touchdowns since.

He ranks 114th out of the 118 cornerbacks who have played enough snaps to qualify according to ProFootballFocus.

The Lions announced they’ve also elevated guard Parker Ehinger for the Thanksgiving game, which fortifies the depth with right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai out due to a brain injury. Tommy Kraemer is expected to earn the start there.

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