Lions Face Must-Win Stretch with Key Injuries Ahead of Christmas Day Showdown in Minnesota
The Detroit Lions are staring down the final two weeks of the regular season with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread-and the margin for error is officially zero.
Coming off back-to-back losses for the first time since October 2022, the Lions are in unfamiliar territory. That 2022 skid saw them drop five straight, but this time, the stakes are even higher.
After falling 29-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final home game of the season, Detroit no longer controls its own postseason fate. That grip now belongs to the Green Bay Packers, who swept the Lions this year and hold a one-game lead with two to play.
So here we are. Two road games left.
Two must-wins. First up: a Christmas Day clash with the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a season finale against the division-leading Chicago Bears.
It’s not just about winning-it’s about surviving.
But Detroit won’t be at full strength when they take the field in Minneapolis.
Who’s In, Who’s Out: Lions’ Injury Report
The Lions’ final injury report ahead of the holiday matchup includes two confirmed absences and a long list of question marks. Cornerback Avonte Maddox (back/illness) and rookie offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (knee) have both been ruled out. Maddox’s absence is a blow to a secondary that’s already been stretched thin at times this season, and Manu had been a rotational piece on a banged-up offensive line.
The list of questionable players is long-and includes some major contributors on both sides of the ball:
- C Trystan Colon (questionable - unspecified)
- DE Marcus Davenport (shoulder)
- OT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest)
- CB Khalil Dorsey (illness)
- WR Tom Kennedy (abdomen)
- OG Christian Mahogany (fibula)
- DT Alim McNeill (abdomen)
- RB David Montgomery (illness)
- DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee)
- CB Amik Robertson (hand)
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee)
That last name stands out. St.
Brown has been the heartbeat of this Lions offense all season long. If he’s limited-or worse, unavailable-it changes the entire complexion of Detroit’s passing game.
Montgomery’s status is also worth monitoring closely. His physical, between-the-tackles style has been a key part of the Lions’ offensive identity, especially in cold-weather games like this one.
On the offensive line, the health of Taylor Decker looms large. Already down Manu, the Lions can’t afford to lose their veteran left tackle, especially with a Vikings pass rush that’s been heating up in recent weeks.
Defensively, the potential return of Alim McNeill would be a huge boost. His presence in the middle has been sorely missed, particularly in run defense. If he’s able to go, it could help shore up a front that’s struggled to control the line of scrimmage during this two-game slide.
The Road Ahead
There’s no sugarcoating it: the Lions are in a tough spot. They need help from the Packers’ opponents, and they need to take care of their own business-starting with a win in Minnesota. That’s no small task, especially with so many key players battling injuries.
But this is where seasons are defined. This is where teams either fold or fight.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Christmas Day. The Lions will need more than just holiday spirit-they’ll need grit, execution, and a little bit of luck to keep their playoff dreams alive.