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The second (and not necessarily final) meeting of the Lions and Packers is an enormous game not just for 1st place in the division but also for the extremely valuable 1st seed bye in the NFC.
The NY Times playoff simulator estimates the Lions chances of the #1 seed at 84% with a win vs 40% with a loss. That’s a massive spread.
Defensive health is a problem for the Lions as they will be missing five defenders from last game: Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), and Mekhi Wingo (IR). In good news, they’ll be getting back Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley.
On offense, the Lions starters are intact except for Taylor Decker who will miss a second straight game. Dan Skipper figures to start at LT again.
The Packers will be missing a couple key players in Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs. On the bright side, Jordan Love will be healthier than the first meeting when he had a groin injury.
A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain from ten days ago will keep Decker out for a second straight game. He could be back for the next game which is eleven days away.
Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder which is concerning for a shoulder subluxation/dislocation. These can be played through with rehab but often require surgery down the line. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.
For reference, DeShon Elliott with the Lions in 2022 missed two games with a dislocated shoulder.
Brodric Martin, who only got two snaps in his first game back from IR on Thanksgiving, may see a big increase.
Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He has not been placed on IR suggesting it is not severe.
Paschal hurt his right knee last game. The diagnosis is uncertain but reports are that it isn’t serious.
Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area ten days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. With him back, the secondary is at full-strength.
Moseley missed Thanksgiving due to a mild hamstring but is now ready to go. It will be interesting to see if he gets some snaps at CB for the first time this season.
Returning soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him around week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him by the start of the playoffs.
Uncertain return
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return this game but did not have his 21-day practice window opened this week. This implies his timeline is at least three more weeks. A neck injury on IR is concerning for a spinal issue.
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.
Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
• John Cominsky, MCL – Initial estimate projected a January return at earliest.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.
Not expected to return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pec
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee
This starting CB missed the last 2 games with a PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. He also missed the first meeting with the Lions. Resting until it’s fully healed is smart.
Doubs will miss his second straight game with a concussion. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.
This 2nd-round rookie missed the last two games with the hamstring. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.
Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.
Jacobs has 987 yards on the year which is 3rd most in the NFL, just ahead of Jahmyr Gibbs (973 yards).
This starting LT has played every game this year.
Myers is the starting center and has played the last three games.
Jenkins has started every game this year.
McDuffie has started every game this year.
Wooden is a part-time player along the defensive line with four solo tackles this year.
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The NY Times playoff simulator estimates the Lions chances of the #1 seed at 84% with a win vs 40% with a loss. That’s a massive spread.
Defensive health is a problem for the Lions as they will be missing five defenders from last game: Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), and Mekhi Wingo (IR). In good news, they’ll be getting back Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley.
On offense, the Lions starters are intact except for Taylor Decker who will miss a second straight game. Dan Skipper figures to start at LT again.
The Packers will be missing a couple key players in Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs. On the bright side, Jordan Love will be healthier than the first meeting when he had a groin injury.
DETROIT LIONS
Out – Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP NP NP)
A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain from ten days ago will keep Decker out for a second straight game. He could be back for the next game which is eleven days away.
Out – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP NP NP)
Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder which is concerning for a shoulder subluxation/dislocation. These can be played through with rehab but often require surgery down the line. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.
For reference, DeShon Elliott with the Lions in 2022 missed two games with a dislocated shoulder.
Brodric Martin, who only got two snaps in his first game back from IR on Thanksgiving, may see a big increase.
Out – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP NP NP)
Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He has not been placed on IR suggesting it is not severe.
Out – Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP NP NP)
Paschal hurt his right knee last game. The diagnosis is uncertain but reports are that it isn’t serious.
In – Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP FP FP)
Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area ten days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. With him back, the secondary is at full-strength.
In – Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP FP FP)
Moseley missed Thanksgiving due to a mild hamstring but is now ready to go. It will be interesting to see if he gets some snaps at CB for the first time this season.
IR STATUS UPDATE
Returning soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him around week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him by the start of the playoffs.
Uncertain return
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return this game but did not have his 21-day practice window opened this week. This implies his timeline is at least three more weeks. A neck injury on IR is concerning for a spinal issue.
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.
Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
• John Cominsky, MCL – Initial estimate projected a January return at earliest.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.
Not expected to return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pec
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Out – Jaire Alexander CB (LP LP NP)
This starting CB missed the last 2 games with a PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. He also missed the first meeting with the Lions. Resting until it’s fully healed is smart.
Out – Romeo Doubs WR (LP LP LP)
Doubs will miss his second straight game with a concussion. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.
Out – Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP NP NP)
This 2nd-round rookie missed the last two games with the hamstring. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.
Out – Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP NP NP)
Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.
In – Josh Jacobs RB, calf (LP LP LP)
Jacobs has 987 yards on the year which is 3rd most in the NFL, just ahead of Jahmyr Gibbs (973 yards).
In – Rasheed Walker OT, knee (LP LP FP)
This starting LT has played every game this year.
In – Josh Myers C, pec (LP LP FP)
Myers is the starting center and has played the last three games.
In – Elgton Jenkins OG, rest (NP LP LP)
Jenkins has started every game this year.
In – Isaiah McDuffie LB, ankle (LP LP FP)
McDuffie has started every game this year.
In – Colby Wooden DE, shoulder (LP LP LP)
Wooden is a part-time player along the defensive line with four solo tackles this year.
In – Kenny Clark NT, rest (LP LP FP)
In – John Fitzpatrick TE, back (LP FP FP)
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