The Detroit Lions are making waves this season, but injuries have become a significant factor in their championship quest. This comprehensive breakdown covers every aspect of the current Lions injuries situation, from the active roster to long-term concerns that could impact their playoff chances.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, fantasy football player, or just trying to keep up with Detroit sports news, this injury report gives you the inside track on the team’s health heading into their crucial matchups.
Detroit Lions Injury Updates
The injury bug hasn’t been kind to the Lions this season. After starting strong with a relatively healthy roster, the team has faced a growing list of medical concerns that have tested their depth and resilience. Head coach Dan Campbell recently addressed these challenges at his Friday press conference:
“We’ve got some guys banged up, that’s the reality of this league. But I love how our team has responded. Next man up isn’t just a saying around here – it’s how we operate. The medical staff is working around the clock, and we’re seeing some positive progress with several players.”
The latest Detroit Lions injury updates suggest a mixed bag of news as the team prepares for their upcoming playoff game. Let’s break down the current status across the roster.
Active Roster Injuries
The Lions currently have several key players dealing with various ailments that have limited their practice participation. The team’s injury list has grown over the past few weeks, particularly affecting their defensive secondary and offensive line.
Recent Practice Participation
| Player | Position | Injury | Wed Practice | Thu Practice | Fri Practice | Game Status |
| Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Hamstring strain | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
| Frank Ragnow | C | Knee | DNP | DNP | Limited | Doubtful |
| Malcolm Rodriguez | LB | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Full | Likely to play |
| James Houston | OLB | Concussion protocol | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Brian Branch | CB | Cornerback injury | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable |
Offensive Line Concerns
The Lions’ offensive front is dealing with multiple injuries, with center Frank Ragnow’s knee injury being the most concerning. This offensive line has been the backbone of Detroit’s success this season, and any disruption could significantly impact their running game and pass protection schemes.
Offensive line coach Hank Fraley commented on the situation: “We’ve cross-trained our guys all season for situations like this. Graham Glasgow can slide over to center if needed, and we’ve got young guys who are ready to step up if called upon.”
Defensive Secondary Issues
The cornerback injury to Brian Branch has created depth issues in the secondary, which is particularly troubling as the team prepares for a playoff game against one of the league’s top passing attacks. Branch has been progressing through the week, but his availability will likely be a game-time decision.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been adjusting his schemes to account for these injuries:
- Increased zone coverage packages to reduce man-coverage stress
- More two-high safety looks to provide additional help
- Rotational cornerback usage to keep players fresh
- Simplified communication systems for backup players
Game-Time Decisions
Several players will be evaluated right up until kickoff, including star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who’s dealing with an ankle issue that limited his explosiveness last week. St. Brown’s status is critical for the Lions’ passing attack, as he accounts for nearly 30% of the team’s receiving yards this season.
Long-Term Injuries
Beyond the week-to-week concerns, the Lions are managing several significant long-term injuries that have shaped their roster construction and game planning.
Star Players on Extended Recovery
David Montgomery – Running Back The veteran running back suffered a significant hamstring strain in Week 8 that’s kept him sidelined for six weeks. Montgomery has been increasing his practice workload but remains at least two weeks away from game action. In his absence, Jahmyr Gibbs has taken on a larger role, with his snap count increasing from 45% to 68% of offensive plays.
Case Study: Impact of Montgomery’s Absence
- Before injury: Lions averaged 148.3 rushing yards per game
- After injury: Lions’ rushing average dropped to 123.8 yards per game
- Red zone efficiency decreased from 68% to 54%
- Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload increased by 23% with mixed results
Jonah Jackson – Guard Jackson’s knee injury in Week 10 required arthroscopic surgery, with an initial timeline of 4-6 weeks for recovery. He’s currently in week 4 of that timeline and has begun individual drills but hasn’t yet returned to team activities. The medical evaluation has been positive, with the medical staff noting that his recovery is slightly ahead of schedule.
Malcolm Rodriguez – Linebacker Rodriguez has been battling a persistent shoulder issue that has limited his effectiveness, though he continues to play through the injury. The coaching staff has been managing his snap count, primarily using him in base defensive packages while limiting his special teams exposure.
Rehabilitation Progress Reports
The Lions’ training staff provided these updates on key players working through rehabilitation programs:
- Aidan Hutchinson (Hamstring strain): Has progressed to full-speed straight-line running and is now incorporating cutting movements, indicating he’s in the final stages of recovery
- James Houston (Concussion protocol): Still experiencing symptoms after helmet impact in the previous game; has not yet cleared the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol
- Jonah Jackson (Knee): Full weight-bearing with minimal discomfort; beginning to incorporate resistance training with the medical staff
Non-Football Illness
Several Lions players have been dealing with health issues unrelated to on-field injuries, which have affected their availability and performance.
Current Illness Situations
Mike Hall Jr. – Defensive Tackle The rookie defensive tackle has been battling a respiratory infection that limited his practice participation for two weeks. While he’s avoided missing games entirely, his snap count has been reduced by approximately 40%. Team doctors expect him to be back to full strength for the upcoming playoff game.
Kendrick Lamar – Safety Lamar spent two days away from the team due to a personal health situation that the team has kept private at the player’s request. He has since returned to full practice and appears to be fully available for the upcoming games.
COVID-19 Considerations
While the NFL has relaxed many of its COVID protocols, the Lions have implemented their own health and safety measures during the winter months to minimize illness-related absences:
- Optional daily testing for symptomatic players
- Enhanced facility cleaning procedures
- Virtual meetings for position groups when multiple players show symptoms
- Separation of players with any symptoms from the main practice groups
Injured Reserve – Eligible to Return
The Lions currently have several key contributors on injured reserve who might return in time for the playoff push.
21-Day Practice Windows
Alim McNeill – Defensive Lineman The defensive lineman injury to McNeill (pectoral strain) landed him on IR six weeks ago, but he began his 21-day practice window last Wednesday. Reports from practice indicate he’s been a full participant with no apparent limitations, suggesting he’ll likely be activated for the upcoming playoff game.
Ifeatu Melifonwu – Safety Melifonwu suffered a severe ankle sprain in Week 7 and was placed on IR. His 21-day window opened two weeks ago, but he’s been limited to individual drills thus far. The medical evaluation suggests he’s still at least a week away from potential activation.
Carlton Davis – Cornerback The veteran cornerback injury situation has been more positive, with Davis nearing a return from a hamstring tear that sidelined him for nine weeks. He’s been practicing fully for two weeks, and the Lions must decide whether to activate him by Monday or keep him on IR for the remainder of the season.
Strategic Return Timing
The Lions’ medical and coaching staffs are working together to time these returns strategically:
- Prioritizing defensive reinforcements for the upcoming matchups against pass-heavy opponents
- Carefully managing snap counts for returning players to avoid re-injury
- Considering long-term playoff implications versus short-term needs
- Evaluating roster moves needed to accommodate returns from IR
Injured Reserve – Not Eligible to Return
Unfortunately, several Lions players have suffered season-ending injuries that have significantly impacted the team’s depth and plans.
Season-Ending Injuries
Levi Onwuzurike – Defensive Tackle Onwuzurike suffered a torn ACL in Week 3, ending his season and creating a significant void in the defensive tackle rotation. The fourth-year player was having a breakout season before the knee injury, posting 2.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss in just three games. His rehabilitation timeline projects a return for training camp next season.
Graham Glasgow – Guard/Center Glasgow suffered a complex fracture in his ankle during the Week 12 game, requiring surgery and ending his season. This loss is particularly significant given the other offensive line injuries, as Glasgow provided valuable versatility as a backup at three positions.
Emmanuel Moseley – Cornerback In a devastating turn of events, Moseley suffered his second season-ending injury in two years, tearing his other Achilles tendon during a non-contact drill in practice. This cornerback injury situation has forced defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to rely heavily on rookie corners sooner than planned.
Roster Construction Impact
These season-ending injuries have forced the Lions to make numerous roster moves to maintain depth:
- Signed veteran defensive lineman Teair Tart after Onwuzurike’s injury
- Elevated center Max Jones from the practice squad following Glasgow’s injury
- Traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Chargers for cornerback Michael Davis after Moseley’s injury
- Restructured two veteran contracts to create salary cap space for these emergency additions
The Lions have been particularly aggressive in addressing these long-term injuries compared to previous seasons, demonstrating their commitment to competing this year rather than planning for the future.
Conclusion
The Lions are dealing with a significant number of injuries as they prepare for their playoff game, but the situation isn’t as dire as it appears at first glance. Several key players are trending in the right direction, with Hutchinson, Branch, and St. Brown all likely to play despite being listed as questionable on the official injury report.
The defensive secondary remains the biggest concern, with multiple cornerback injury situations forcing the Lions to rely on inexperienced players against elite receivers. The potential return of Carlton Davis from IR could provide a massive boost in this area.
Overall Team Health Compared to Opponents The Lions rank 14th in the NFL in terms of games missed due to injury this season, putting them in the middle of the pack. Their upcoming playoff opponent has been even more affected by injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
