The Dallas Cowboys are riding a three-game win streak, and they’re heading into Detroit with momentum-and a shot to leapfrog the Lions in the NFC playoff race. But while the Cowboys are heating up, the Lions are just trying to stay in one piece.
Detroit, sitting at 7-5, has been hit hard by the injury bug at the worst possible time. The most recent blow?
A failed attempt to coax Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow out of retirement. The Lions brought him in for a look, but he didn’t pass his physical, leaving a big hole in the middle of the offensive line.
And that’s just the start of their personnel problems.
Tight end Sam LaPorta, who’s been a reliable target all season, is on injured reserve. Optimism about his return before the end of the regular season is fading fast.
And with head coach Dan Campbell leading the charge, one thing’s for sure: Detroit won’t go down quietly. Campbell’s known for throwing the kitchen sink at opponents, especially when his back’s against the wall.
Don’t be surprised if the Lions empty the playbook on Thursday night.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have a few injury concerns of their own, though nothing quite as severe. Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring) didn’t practice again on Tuesday, and rookie tackle Tyler Guyton (ankle) also remained sidelined.
If Guyton can’t go, it’ll be his second straight missed game. On the positive side, Trevon Diggs (knee) was limited in practice but trending in the right direction, while wideout George Pickens (calf/knee) was upgraded to a full participant.
Barring any setbacks, both are expected to suit up.
Back to the Lions’ injury report-it’s not pretty. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St.
Brown missed practice again with an ankle issue, and even he admitted he’s unsure if he’ll be ready to go. That’s not what Detroit fans want to hear with a critical matchup looming.
Fellow receiver Khalif Raymond also missed practice with an ankle injury, further thinning the depth chart.
Up front, the offensive line is taking hits as well. Both Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker were listed as DNPs on Tuesday with shoulder injuries.
That’s both starting tackles, which could spell trouble against a Dallas pass rush that’s been feasting lately. And on the defensive side, cornerback Terrion Arnold has been placed on injured reserve, taking another key piece off the board.
So here’s the setup: a banged-up Lions team trying to hold its ground in the NFC, facing a surging Cowboys squad that’s looking to keep climbing. Injuries could end up being the difference in this one, especially if Detroit is forced to go into battle without some of its biggest weapons. But with Dan Campbell calling the shots, expect this to be a fight-no matter who’s available.