Detroit Lions Injury Report Ahead of NFC Divisional Round vs. Washington Commanders
DETROIT – As the Detroit Lions prepare for their highly anticipated NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, the final injury report reveals a mixed bag of news for the team.
After their much-needed bye week, the Lions are set to receive some reinforcements, but there are also a few notable absences heading into Saturday’s (Jan. 18) game.
David Montgomery is expected to return to action after recovering from a torn MCL he sustained during the Lions’ Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills. The star running back opted to forgo surgery, choosing instead to focus on rehab in hopes of being ready for the playoffs. This is a huge boost for Detroit as they look to make a playoff run.
In addition to Montgomery, cornerback Terrion Arnold is also cleared to return after suffering a foot injury during the Lions’ Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Arnold had been carted off the field, but it seems he’s ready to go for the big game.
However, the news isn’t entirely positive. Pat O’Connor, defensive end, and Kevin Zeitler, guard, have both been ruled out for the game. O’Connor, who missed much of the Vikings game due to a calf injury, remains sidelined after the bye week. Zeitler, who suffered a hamstring injury in the same game, had initially shown signs of progress but has now been downgraded to out as well.
As for the remaining player listed, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who has been out since late November with a hamstring injury and illness, is officially listed as questionable. His status remains uncertain as the Lions’ defense faces significant challenges heading into the game.
Here’s the complete injury report from Thursday’s practice:
- Pat O’Connor – out (calf)
- Kevin Zeitler – out (hamstring)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – questionable (hamstring/illness)
The stage is set for a thrilling playoff showdown, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. at Ford Field.
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Commanders Fans make fun of Lions with Chant After NFC Wild-Card Victory
Washington Commanders fans are riding high after their team’s dominant performance in Sunday night’s wild-card round game, securing a 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This marks Washington’s first playoff win since 2005, earning them a spot in the divisional round against the top-seeded Detroit Lions.
Despite the challenging task ahead, Commanders fans aren’t backing down. A viral TikTok video captured the energy, with fans chanting, “We want Detroit!” as they left Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Commanders will face the Lions next Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
Much like the Lions last season, the Commanders have become this year’s playoff underdogs after snapping a long winless streak in postseason play. But, unlike typical wild-card teams, the 13-5 Commanders aren’t to be underestimated. With 12 wins in a tough NFC, Washington proved their regular-season success was no fluke, especially with their gritty win over Tampa Bay.
While Commanders fans showed up in force in Tampa, the price of tickets for the divisional game against the Lions is nearly four times higher, making a full-scale takeover unlikely. However, it’s clear that Washington’s loyal fanbase is sending a strong message ahead of next week’s primetime matchup.
