The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are heading into their Christmas Day clash with a lot more than playoff implications on the line - both teams are dealing with a laundry list of injuries that could shape how this NFC North showdown plays out. With Detroit sitting at 8-7 and Minnesota just behind at 7-8, the stakes are high, and the injury report reads like a game plan in itself.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the holiday matchup.
Lions Injury Report: Key Starters Managing the Short Week
Detroit held a walkthrough on Tuesday, meaning all practice statuses are estimations. Still, there are some notable developments worth monitoring.
Did Not Practice
- RB David Montgomery (illness) Montgomery was a new addition to the injury report on Tuesday, sidelined with an illness.
While players often bounce back in time for kickoff, the clock is ticking with just 48 hours until game time. If he’s unable to go, the Lions could lean more heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield.
- DB Avonte Maddox (back/illness) Maddox played nearly every snap last Sunday and has stepped into a starting safety role, so it’s possible the team is managing his reps. But back injuries can be unpredictable, and with an illness added to the mix, his status is one to watch closely.
Limited Participation
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) St. Brown’s upgrade from no practice is a good sign, and head coach Dan Campbell confirmed there’s “positive news” on his status.
Still, with a short turnaround, the Lions will be cautious. He’s a critical piece of the offense, and even at less than 100%, his presence forces defenses to account for him.
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) Decker’s been on a light practice schedule for a couple of weeks now, but he hasn’t missed a snap. With Detroit managing his workload, there’s no indication he won’t be ready to anchor the left side again.
- LG Christian Mahogany (fibula) Mahogany returned from IR last week and played every snap, but he was noticeably limping postgame. The Lions are likely giving him some extra rest to make sure he’s ready to go again.
- OL Trystan Colon (wrist) Colon practiced last week but didn’t suit up on game day. If he’s cleared this week, he could compete for reps at center, especially if Glasgow is limited or unavailable.
- OT Giovanni Manu (knee) Manu remains in the injury evaluation window with 13 days left. The Lions have depth on the offensive line, so there’s no urgency to rush him back.
- WR Tom Kennedy (abdomen) Kennedy wasn’t listed with an injury during Week 16 but wasn’t seen in the locker room postgame, suggesting he may have picked something up during the contest. With his experience, he might just be getting some rest.
- DT Alim McNeill (abdomen) McNeill played 76% of the snaps last week and didn’t show any signs of discomfort. The limited designation is likely precautionary on a short week.
- EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) Muhammad’s knee issue is worth noting, but he still played a normal snap count. The Lions will hope to keep him available for rotational edge work.
- EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder) Davenport briefly exited the game Sunday but returned, which is encouraging. The team will likely monitor him closely this week.
- CB Amik Robertson (hand) Robertson has been playing with a club on his injured hand since Week 15. He’s expected to continue playing through it, though his usage may be slightly scaled back.
Full Participation
- C Graham Glasgow (knee) Glasgow was upgraded from limited to full participation, which is a positive sign.
Still, Campbell noted that the team is weighing their options, especially with Kingsley Eguakun filling in capably when needed. Expect a game-time decision here.
“Yeah, I was encouraged by Kingsley,” Campbell said. “I thought he did a good job.
So, we’re kinda weighing (him starting) right now, too. And then Graham’s dealt with this knee a little bit, so we’re thinking about it.”
Vikings Injury Report: Depth Being Tested
Minnesota’s injury list includes some heavy hitters, especially on offense, and they’ll need to rely on depth in key areas.
Did Not Practice
- QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand) - Ruled OUT The rookie quarterback won’t be available, taking him out of the equation entirely for this one.
- RB Jordan Mason (ankle) - Considered a longshot to play Mason’s ankle injury is significant enough that his chances of suiting up are slim.
- TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) Hockenson missing practice this late in the week isn’t ideal, especially given his importance to the Vikings’ passing game. His status will be closely monitored.
- C Ryan Kelly (concussion) Still in concussion protocol, Kelly’s availability will depend on whether he clears the necessary steps in time.
Limited Participation
- RB Aaron Jones (ankle) The veteran back is working his way back and could be a key contributor if healthy enough to go.
- RT Brian O’Neill (heel) O’Neill returned to practice, which is a step in the right direction. His presence on the line is critical for keeping the pocket clean.
- NT Javon Hargrave (thigh) Hargrave’s limited status suggests he’s trending toward playing, but the Vikings will want to be cautious with their interior anchor.
- LB Eric Wilson (thumb) Wilson’s thumb injury hasn’t kept him from practicing, and he’s expected to be available.
Full Participation
- RB Ty Chandler (knee) - Still on IR Chandler was a full participant, but he remains on injured reserve, so he’s not eligible to play unless activated.
- TE Gavin Bartholomew (back) - Still on IR Similar situation here - full practice, but still on IR.
- LB Austin Keys (ankle) Keys is practicing fully and looks good to go.
What It All Means Heading into Monday
Both teams are navigating a short week with playoff implications looming. For the Lions, the good news is that most of their key starters - even those listed as limited - appear to be on track to play. Montgomery’s illness and Maddox’s back are the two biggest question marks, but otherwise, Detroit looks like it’ll have its core ready.
The Vikings, on the other hand, are dealing with some more significant absences, particularly at quarterback and tight end. If Hockenson can’t go, it’ll put more pressure on Minnesota’s wideouts and running backs to carry the offensive load.
Bottom line: This game could come down to which team handles the short week better - not just in terms of game prep, but in managing health and depth. With both squads hanging around the playoff bubble, every snap will matter.