The Lions might have a problem a lot of teams would like to have this time of year. With veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson likely to return from a torn pectoral muscle this month, it’s expected he and second-year player Kerby Joseph will pair up at the position.
But third-year safety Ifeatu Melifonwu certainly left an impression on coaches with the way he played Saturday. Melifonwu had eight tackles, a strip sack, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and two passes defended in the win over the Broncos.
“What I’m enjoying most is just playing honestly,” Melifonwu said. “Just being able to play, being on the field. I can’t say if there’s anything specifically, just I’m enjoying just being out there, and I thank God I’m healthy and I’m out there and that’s it.”
Health has been the biggest thing that’s held Melifonwu back early in his career. He played in just seven games as a rookie in 2021 and 10 games last season.
“Iffy, his thing really has been the durability,” Campbell said. “Well, he’s been healthy, he’s been able to stay on the field and his body’s holding up and he’s a smart, athletic, physical player. He’s got length and range and him back there with Kerby (Joseph) look, we’re getting better, we’re getting better.”