Detroit Lions Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Crucial Clash with Dallas Cowboys
The Detroit Lions find themselves in a precarious position as they gear up for a pivotal matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This Week 14 showdown is not just another game; it carries significant playoff implications. However, the Lions are grappling with a wave of injuries to key players, including a star wide receiver. Here’s a closer look at the current depth chart as Detroit prepares for this must-win encounter.
Quarterback Situation
Starter: Jared Goff
Backup: Kyle Allen
Practice squad: C.J. Beathard
With the stakes high, the Lions are counting on Jared Goff to deliver a standout performance in front of the home crowd at Ford Field. Goff, who has not missed a game since 2021, remains one of the league’s most durable quarterbacks. The team is banking on his experience and poise to guide them through this critical juncture.
Running Back Depth
Starter: Jahmyr Gibbs
Backup: David Montgomery
Reserves: Sione Vaki (Questionable, thumb), Jacob Saylors
Practice squad: Jabari Small
The Lions are placing their trust in Jahmyr Gibbs, whose workload has significantly increased in recent weeks. With Craig Reynolds released, Jabari Small has been brought back to the practice squad. The team is looking for Gibbs to take center stage, especially with Montgomery’s role as a backup.
Wide Receiver Concerns
Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Questionable, ankle), Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa
Backups: Dominic Lovett, Tom Kennedy
Practice squad: Andrew Armstrong, Jackson Meeks, Malik Cunningham
Inactive: Kalif Raymond (Out, ankle)
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status looms large as he missed practice all week and is labeled a game-time decision. His work ethic suggests he might push to play, but if he cannot go, the Lions may elevate one of their practice squad options. Tom Kennedy, who had a notable showing last week, could also see more playing time.
Tight End Struggles
Starter: Ross Dwelley
Backups: Anthony Firkser, Hayden Rucci
Practice squad: Zach Horton, Giovanni Ricci
Inactive: Sam LaPorta (Injured reserve), Shane Zylstra (Injured reserve), Brock Wright (Out, neck)
The tight end room is in disarray, with injuries sidelining key contributors like LaPorta and Wright. Dwelley, the veteran presence on the roster, will step into the starter role, while Rucci’s recent acquisition adds a layer of intrigue if he can integrate quickly.
Offensive Line Woes
Starters: Taylor Decker (LT, Questionable, shoulder), Kayode Awosika (LG, Questionable, foot), Graham Glasgow (C, Questionable, knee), Tate Ratledge (RG), Penei Sewell (RT, Questionable, shoulder)
Backups: Dan Skipper (T), Trystan Colon (C), Michael Niese (G)
Practice squad: Kingsley Eguakun (C), Mason Miller (G), Christopher Hubbard (G/T), Devin Cochran (T)
Inactive: Giovanni Manu (Injured reserve), Colby Sorsdal (Injured reserve), Christian Mahogany (Injured reserve), Jamarco Jones (Injured reserve)
The offensive line is riddled with concerns, as four of the five starters are battling injuries. The potential return of Glasgow is encouraging, but Awosika’s recent addition to the injury report creates further uncertainty. Sewell’s new shoulder issue compounds the challenge for the Lions.
Defensive Line Pressure
Starters: DJ Reader (NT), Alim McNeill (3T)
Backups: Roy Lopez, Tyleik Williams
Reserves: Tyler Lacy, Mekhi Wingo
Practice squad: Myles Adams, Chris Smith
Inactive: Levi Onwuzurike (PUP)
The Lions are under pressure to generate more defensive intensity, particularly from their interior linemen. Reader and Lopez have developed a strong partnership, and rookie Williams is gaining valuable experience, which could enhance their pass-rushing capabilities.
Edge Rushing Needs
Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport
Backups: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat
Practice squad: Ahmed Hassanein
Inactive: Josh Paschal (NFI)
The return of Davenport adds depth to the edge rush, but production remains crucial. With just one sack over the past two weeks, there is heightened urgency for an edge rusher to emerge and provide the necessary spark to the defense.
Linebacker Configuration
Starters: Jack Campbell (MIKE), Alex Anzalone (WILL), Derrick Barnes (SAM)
Backups: Malcolm Rodriguez (WILL), Trevor Nowaske (WILL/SAM), Grant Stuard (WILL)
Inactive: Zach Cunningham (Injured reserve), Ezekiel Turner (Injured reserve)
The snap distribution among linebackers has remained relatively constant, with starters logging the majority of playtime. Rodriguez may see increased opportunities in his third appearance, while Nowaske and Stuard continue to be key contributors on special teams.
Secondary Adjustments
Starters: D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson
Backups: Rock Ya-Sin, Khalil Dorsey
Inactive: Terrion Arnold (Injured reserve), Ennis Rakestraw (Injured reserve)
With Arnold sidelined, Robertson is likely to step back into the starting role opposite Reed. Ya-Sin is expected to fill the slot position, adding versatility to the defensive backfield.
Safety Positions
Starters: Brian Branch (Questionable, toe/ankle), Thomas Harper
Backups: Daniel Thomas, Avonte Maddox
Inactive: Kerby Joseph (Out, knee), Dan Jackson (Injured reserve)
Branch’s uncertain status creates additional challenges for the secondary. Harper will continue to partner with him, while Maddox could see action in various capacities, further emphasizing the team’s need for depth.
Special Teams Stability
Kicker: Jake Bates
Punter: Jack Fox
Long-snapper: Hogan Hatten
Kick returner: Tom Kennedy, Jacob Saylors
Punt returner: Tom Kennedy
Tom Kennedy stepped up as the kick returner last week and provided a much-needed jolt to the special teams unit, replacing the injured Kalif Raymond. His reliable performance will be crucial as the Lions aim to maintain momentum in a challenging game.
As the Lions prepare for this crucial encounter against the Cowboys, they face the dual challenge of overcoming injuries while striving to secure a vital victory. The outcome of this game could shape their playoff aspirations as the season enters its final stretch.
