Rashean Mathis Illness: Updates on Lions CB's Status and Return

Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis left his team's Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering what the team believed to be a concussion. Although he passed the league's concussion protocol on Oct. 26, he remains without a definitive return date due to illness.

Continue for updates. 

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Latest on Mathis' Practice Status

Thursday, Nov. 12

The Lions announced Mathis did not practice for the second straight day. 

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Mathis' Absence a Big Loss for Lions' Struggling Defense

Mathis has been a steady presence in Detroit's secondary for the past few seasons, playing in 38 of 39 possible games since 2013. The 35-year-old had one interception and defended three passes coming into Week 7. 

Defense has been a problem for the Lions this season. They are allowing 28.6 points per game and a completion percentage of 73.3 percent to opposing quarterbacks. Mathis isn't the player he was in his peak with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his veteran instincts allow him to succeed. 

It's been a bad year for football in the Motor City, and things are continuing to spiral downward.