LOCAL NFL REPORT: Lions place A.J. Parker on I.R. list, for at least 3-week absence

Bartlesville High graduate A.J. Parker has battled valiantly through injury for most this season while still remaining in an active status.

But, an injury ailment suffered a week ago against the Cleveland Browns has landed him on the injury reserve list.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions placed the rookie starting nickelback/cornerback on the I.R.

Parker had to sit out Thursday’s Thanksgiving loss to the Chicago Bears, and will have to be out, by rule, until at least mid-December.

By being placed on the I.R., Parker will have to miss a minimum of three games, including the Thanksgiving game against Chicago.

The Bears (4-7-0) edged the winless Lions, (0-10-1), 16-14.

This was the third time this season the Lions lost on a last-second field goal as time expired.

In addition, the Browns edged them on fourth-quarter field goal, 13-10, and they missed a field goal in a 16-16 overtime tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers had pulled even with a 51-yard field goal in the final period of regulation.

Up until this week, Parker — an rookie free agent that signed last spring with Detroit — had played in nine of the team’s first 10 games, including several starts.

He had been on weekly injury list four times — prior to the season opener, prior to the Oct. 31 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, prior to the Nov. 14 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and prior to this week’s game against Chicago.

Parker recovered in time to play in two of those games, but didn’t suit to play the Eagles.

In last Sunday’s contest against Cleveland, Parker intercepted Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield in the fourth quarter, Parker’s first career NFL pick. But, the Lions cashed in only with a field goal off the turnover and lost by three points.

For the season, Parker has made 35 tackles, deflected three passes and discouraged opponents from throwing into his coverage.

He played his college ball at Kansas State after graduating in 2016 from Bartlesville High.