Detroit Lions Injury Report: Key Starters Sidelined Ahead of Crucial Matchup vs. Cowboys
As the Detroit Lions gear up for their Week 14 primetime clash against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, the injury bug has hit hard-and at the worst possible time.
Coming off a gritty 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day, the Lions sit at 7-5 and firmly in the NFC playoff hunt. But with Dallas coming to town and postseason positioning on the line, Detroit will be without several key contributors, including some of their most reliable weapons on both sides of the ball.
LaPorta Out for Regular Season
The biggest blow? Tight end Sam LaPorta, who’s been a breakout star and Pro Bowl-level performer this season, has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season after undergoing back surgery.
LaPorta’s impact on Detroit’s offense has been massive-he’s been a go-to target in crucial moments and a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike. Losing him now creates a major void in both the passing game and run blocking schemes.
To make matters worse, the Lions will also be without backup tight end Brock Wright, who’s been ruled out with a neck injury. That leaves Detroit razor-thin at the position heading into Thursday night’s showdown.
Defensive Setbacks Continue
On the defensive side, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold is done for the year after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Arnold had been growing into his role in the secondary, providing physicality and flashes of playmaking ability. His absence forces Detroit to dig deeper into a secondary that’s already been tested throughout the season.
Safety Kerby Joseph will also miss Thursday’s game due to a knee injury, further depleting the Lions’ back end. And standout rookie Brian Branch, who’s been one of the team’s most versatile defenders, is listed as questionable with toe and ankle issues. If Branch can’t go, Detroit’s secondary will be facing a Dallas offense that’s been clicking behind Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb with a seriously undermanned unit.
Offensive Line Depth in Question
The injury report doesn’t get much kinder in the trenches. Center Graham Glasgow (knee) and guard Kayode Awosika (foot) are both questionable, while tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are also listed as questionable with shoulder injuries. Decker’s designation includes a rest component, which could be a sign he’s more likely to play, but both tackles being on the report is enough to raise concern-especially with Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ pass rush looming.
Detroit’s offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths all season, anchoring a physical run game and giving Jared Goff the time he needs to operate. But if even one or two of these starters are limited or unavailable, it could shift the entire dynamic of the matchup.
St. Brown, Vaki Also Questionable
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a low ankle sprain and is officially listed as questionable.
The Pro Bowl wideout is as tough as they come, but ankle issues can be tricky-especially for a player who relies so heavily on quick cuts and precise route running. If he’s limited or can’t go, Detroit’s offense loses its most consistent chain-mover and emotional leader.
Running back Sione Vaki is also questionable with a thumb injury. While not a primary back, Vaki’s versatility has added depth to the Lions’ backfield in recent weeks.
Who’s Out?
Here’s the full list of players ruled out for Thursday night:
- TE Sam LaPorta (back - out for regular season)
- TE Brock Wright (neck)
- CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder - season-ending)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee)
- WR Kalif Raymond (ankle)
- TE Shane Zylstra (knee)
Questionable Players to Watch:
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle)
- C Graham Glasgow (knee)
- G Kayode Awosika (foot)
- S Brian Branch (toe, ankle)
- OT Taylor Decker (shoulder, rest)
- OT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- RB Sione Vaki (thumb)
The Bottom Line
This is a banged-up Lions team heading into a primetime matchup against one of the NFC’s top contenders. The depth of the roster will be tested, and the coaching staff will need to get creative-especially if multiple starters can’t suit up. But if there’s one thing this Detroit squad has shown all season, it’s resilience.
Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on Amazon. We’ll find out soon enough if the Lions can rally through the injuries and keep their playoff push rolling.