The Lions are heading into “Sunday Night Football” with a much cleaner injury picture than the Panthers, and Detroit’s Friday report brought a little more clarity on a few key names.
The biggest call for the Lions is on guard Ben Bartch, who has been ruled out with a foot injury. Bartch has now missed the last two weeks of practice and will sit out his second straight game.
Even so, Detroit still has eight healthy offensive linemen on its active roster, so the team should remain eligible for the game-day roster bonus as long as everyone is active. Christian Mahogany is expected to make his third start at left guard.
Cornerback D.J. Reed is listed out with a rib injury, but that designation doesn’t really match the week he put together.
Reed practiced all week in limited fashion and appears on track to play. That matters for a Lions defense that has leaned on him as its best corner, especially with Carolina quarterback Bryce Young throwing the ball well so far this season.
There’s also good news on the edge. DJ Wonnum is not listed with an injury designation after missing Wednesday’s practice.
He returned Thursday, then worked again on Friday, putting him in line to go. With his role and production growing, Detroit would like him available, though rookie Derrick Morore could see a bit more action if the Lions decide to be careful with Wonnum.
Carolina, meanwhile, is dealing with a heavier hit list.
The Panthers have ruled out wide receiver Xavier Legette, who is dealing with a knee injury, and left guard Damien Lewis, who is out with an elbow issue. Four others are listed as questionable: Jalen Coker with a quad injury after limited practice, Monroe Freeling with a concussion after a full practice, Lee Hunter with a foot injury after limited work, and Cam Jackson, who showed up on the report with a new knee injury and was also limited.
Detroit enters the matchup at 2-1, while Carolina is 1-2.
In Other News...
Dan Campbell Hinted At Big Lions Roster Decisions Before Carolina
With a short week leading into Carolina, Dan Campbell spent part of his pregame update signaling that the Lions still have some roster chess to play. Detroit is in trade talks for Joey Porter Jr., while safety Brian Branch is nearing a return to practice, and Campbell also made clear that he remains confident in linebacker Jack Campbell even after a slow start to the season. The message was less about the headlines than the direction: the Lions are still sorting out how their defense wants to look as the schedule tightens.
The immediate assignment, though, is straightforward enough. Detroit is focused on keeping Bryce Young from settling in, and Campbell said the biggest defensive concern beyond that is handling tight ends in the middle of the field. He also raised the possibility of rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder getting defensive snaps, a reminder that the Lions may not be done adjusting the group as they balance short-term needs with longer-term decisions. [Read more 🡒]
Brian Branch Return Timeline Just Got A Lot More Interesting
Brian Branchs path back to the field is starting to come into focus, and that matters for a Lions defense that has had to wait out one of its most important young pieces. The safety is close to returning from the Achilles injury he suffered last season, according to Dan Campbell, after beginning the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If the timeline holds, Branch is expected to be eligible to return to practice next week, a first step toward getting him back in the mix.
What happens after that will be the part Detroit is watching most closely. The Lions would then have the 21-day window to work through before deciding on activation, and Kelvin Sheppards recent comments about the defense and its preparation only add to the sense that the unit is bracing for a potentially meaningful addition. For a team trying to keep its defensive rhythm intact, Branchs return would be one of the more notable developments on the horizon. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Could Have Tough Trade Calls If Young Talent Keeps Rising
The Lions are heading toward the trade deadline in an unusual spot for a team still trying to build something lasting: they are expected to be buyers, but they also have to keep sorting through which veterans and depth pieces fit the roster long term. As Detroit evaluates its options, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike and offensive lineman Logan Stenberg have surfaced as names to watch, especially if the front office decides a roster spot or draft asset can be better used elsewhere.
What makes the calculus trickier is that the answer may not be about those players alone. The Lions also have to factor in how younger talent is coming along and whether injuries create new pressure points before the deadline arrives. If those developments keep breaking the right way, Detroit could find itself making some difficult calls on useful pieces rather than simply adding help. [Read more 🡒]