No NFL team has faced as many injuries this season as the Detroit Lions.
Heading into their divisional round matchup with the Washington Commanders, the Lions have 16 players on injured reserve, with two additional players ruled out for Saturday’s game and one more listed as questionable. To put things into perspective, Detroit could still field a full 11-man starting defense from the players on IR and still have extra depth.
Despite these significant injury challenges, especially on defense, the Lions are just one win away from making it to the NFC Championship Game. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has managed to keep the defense performing, while offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has eased the burden by leading the offense to the league’s top scoring mark.
Here’s a look at Detroit’s extensive injury report:
Lions Injury Report
Detroit has 16 players on injured reserve heading into Saturday night’s divisional round clash against the Commanders. Here’s who’s on the list and their injuries, according to ESPN:
- Michael Badgley, PK (hamstring)
- Derrick Barnes, LB (knee)
- John Cominsky, DE (knee)
- Carlton Davis III, CB (jaw)
- Marcus Davenport, DE (triceps)
- Khalil Dorsey, CB (ankle)
- Connor Galvin, OT (knee)
- Antoine Green, WR (concussion)
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE (leg)
- Nate Lynn, DE (shoulder)
- Alim McNeill, DT (knee)
- Emmanuel Moseley, CB (NFI)
- Netane Muti, OG (shoulder)
- Kyle Peko, DT (pectoral)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB (hamstring/illness)
- Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (knee)
- Mekhi Wingo, DT (knee)
Rakestraw, who could potentially be activated from injured reserve by Saturday, was listed as a non-participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and as a limited participant on Thursday. He’s currently listed as questionable.
Additionally, two more players have been ruled out for Saturday’s game. Kevin Zeitler, a guard, is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him from practicing all week, while Pat O’Connor, a defensive end, is sidelined with a calf injury that also caused him to miss all of this week’s practices.
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Detroit Lions Shorthanded with 2 Starting Offensive Linemen Missing from Practice
The Detroit Lions were missing some crucial players at Thursday’s practice ahead of the divisional round matchup. Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and left tackle Taylor Decker were not present during the portion of practice open to reporters. Zeitler, who suffered the hamstring injury and didn’t return during the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, was listed as a non-participant following the team’s walkthrough to kick off the week. As for Decker, his absence from Thursday’s session is labeled as “personal,” with no specific injury reported.
While Zeitler’s status remains uncertain, Decker was previously listed as a full participant and wasn’t given any designation heading into the week.
Also absent were cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring/illness) and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf). Rakestraw had his 21-day return window activated last week, and missing consecutive practices could be a concerning sign for his recovery.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed doubt about O’Connor’s availability, indicating that his injury appears to be more severe than Zeitler’s or cornerback Terrion Arnold’s injuries. Speaking of Arnold, he’s been back at practice, fully participating so far this week. Arnold is dealing with a foot contusion, but it is considered day-to-day.
On a positive note, David Montgomery has also returned to practice and is expected to be available for the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders. Both Montgomery and Arnold were full participants on Thursday, indicating they’re progressing well.
