The Detroit Lions are headed back into the International Series for the first time since 2015, and this trip takes them to Germany for a matchup with the New England Patriots at Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. local time.
Detroit’s last overseas trip ended badly. Back in 2015, the Lions went to England to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Wembley Stadium and came away with a 45-10 loss.
This time around, the organization is putting together a full slate of events for fans making the trip. Starting Friday, Nov. 13, supporters will have a chance to take part in Ford Field on the Road at Odeonsplatz.
According to the team website, “Beginning at 11 a.m. (local time) on Nov. 13 and 14, fans can experience Ford Field on the Road at Odeonsplatz for Detroit Lions Fan Fest presented by Ford featuring family-friendly games, giveaways, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, beer and food trucks and appearances from Lions Legends, Detroit Lions Cheerleaders and Mascots. Friday and Saturday night will both culminate with concerts headlined by Detroit’s own - Kevin Saunderson (Friday, Nov. 13) and Big Sean (Saturday, Nov. 14) beginning at 5:00 p.m.”
On game day, the Lions will also have a dedicated fan experience area inside the NFL Fan Experience at Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest roster questions is being answered with some clarity: safety Brian Branch Joseph is not expected to play. During his weekly radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, the former NFL tight end said, “I’ll cut it out (the speculation).
I don’t see him playing. I don’t see him playing in Germany.”
Joseph has been increasing his work in practice, but he will not be activated this week. Earlier in the week, Campbell was asked whether Joseph was trending toward a return and said, “Well, he did a good job last week, so we want to get him some more work.”
Detroit’s travel plan is also a little different from the Patriots’. New England is leaving Wednesday, while the Lions will practice at the Allen Park Performance Center on Wednesday and Thursday before flying out Thursday night.
Campbell explained, “We’re going to leave , we’ll practice here Wednesday, Thursday,” said Campbell. “And then after Thursday practice, we will head over.
So, we’ll have 48 hours to get adjusted and ready to roll.”
Barring any changes, Campbell is scheduled to speak to reporters at 3:00 p.m. local time, which is 9 a.m. ET.
The team’s practice will be open to the media for individual drills at 3:35 p.m. local time, or 9:30 a.m. ET, according to league sources.
Select Lions players are expected to meet with reporters around 4:40 p.m. local time, which is 10:40 a.m. ET.
In Other News...
Lions Suddenly Have A Left Guard Problem Dan Campbell Didn't Settle
Christian Mahoganys sudden seat on the bench created a new wrinkle for Detroit at left guard, even if the door to reclaiming the job is still open. Dan Campbell confirmed Mahogany sat out a game because of a violation of team rules, and Miles Frazier stepped in to start in his place, giving the Lions a quick look at a different option on the interior line.
Campbells update leaves the position in a state of uncertainty heading into the matchup with the New England Patriots, especially with the rest of the roster still being monitored. He also said it is unclear whether cornerback D.J. Reed and defensive end DJ Wonnum will be available, so Detroit could be sorting through more than one availability question as it tries to settle the left side of the line. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Have Real Hope In Jack Campbell Situation
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There is at least a sliver of encouraging news now, though, and it has given the building a reason to breathe a little easier. NFL reporter Mike Silver has indicated there is cautious optimism about Campbell possibly returning this season, based on the progress he has made since the injury. For a defense that has leaned on Campbells presence, the idea of getting him back at some point would be a meaningful lift, even if the timeline remains very much up in the air. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Still Waiting On Kerby Joseph As Secondary Decision Looms
Kerby Josephs return remains on hold as Detroit heads to Germany for its next game, with Dan Campbell confirming the safety will not be available while he continues to recover from a knee cartilage condition. Joseph is still on the physically unable to perform list, leaving the Lions to manage their secondary without one of their top defensive backs as the trip overseas approaches.
The timing only adds to the pressure on the roster decision ahead, because Detroit has until next week to decide whether to activate Joseph to the 53-man roster or leave him on PUP for the rest of the season. The Lions have already added Andre Cisco for depth at safety, a move that helps cover the position in the short term while the bigger question around Josephs status still hangs over the defense. [Read more 🡒]