Lions, Cowboys Reveal Key Injury Designations Ahead of Thursday Night Clash
As the Detroit Lions (7-5) prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football, both teams have released their final injury reports-and there’s no shortage of storylines heading into this pivotal NFC matchup.
Let’s break down what we know heading into Week 14, starting with the Lions, who will be without several key contributors.
Lions - Ruled Out
- WR Kalif Raymond (ankle) Raymond will miss his second straight game.
While head coach Dan Campbell noted that the speedy wideout is making progress, there’s still no clear timetable for his return. His absence takes away a versatile weapon in Detroit’s passing game and special teams.
- TE Brock Wright (neck) Wright continues to deal with a trachea injury and didn’t practice this week. The team sought multiple medical opinions, and while there’s been no official word on the long-term outlook, he’s sidelined again for at least this week.
- TE Shane Zylstra (knee) Zylstra remains in the early stages of his 21-day injury evaluation window.
He didn’t practice on at least one day this week and isn’t ready for game action just yet. The Lions will continue to monitor his progress.
- S Kerby Joseph (knee) Joseph returned to practice for the first time in nearly two months, which is a positive sign.
But Detroit is clearly playing the long game with his recovery. While it’s encouraging to see him back on the field, he’ll sit out again this week as the team prioritizes his long-term health.
Lions - Questionable
- RB Sione Vaki (thumb) Vaki has been gutting it out with the thumb injury for a few weeks now, and there’s no indication that’ll change this week. He’s proven he can play through it, and unless there’s a setback, expect him to be available.
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle)
This one’s going down to the wire. St.
Brown told reporters his status will be a game-time decision, and the Lions may opt for caution with a longer rest period ahead of Week 15. He didn’t practice Wednesday, which raises eyebrows, but don’t count him out until the inactives list drops 90 minutes before kickoff.
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) Decker’s been managing a shoulder injury all season and took a rest day Tuesday.
He returned to limited work Wednesday, and all signs point to him suiting up. He’s been a warrior for this offensive line all year.
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder) Sewell’s situation has been fluid.
He was off the injury report earlier in the week, then popped back up with a shoulder issue. Still, he was limited in practice Wednesday, and the “questionable” tag suggests there’s optimism he’ll be ready to go.
The Lions will be hoping their All-Pro tackle is good to anchor the right side.
- G Kayode Awosika (foot) This one’s a bit more concerning.
Awosika practiced fully on Monday but was added to the injury report Tuesday and didn’t practice at all Wednesday. That’s not a great trend, especially on a short week.
If he can’t go, Detroit may need to shuffle their offensive line-never ideal against a Dallas front that can bring serious heat.
- C Graham Glasgow (knee) Glasgow has been stacking practices, and that’s a great sign for a Lions offense that leans heavily on interior line stability. If he’s cleared, expect him back in the middle of the line calling protections and setting the tone.
- S Brian Branch (toe/ankle) Branch has been dealing with multiple lower-body issues over the past few weeks, but he’s consistently powered through them.
Expect more of the same this week. The rookie’s toughness has been on full display all season.
Cowboys - Ruled Out
- LT Tyler Guyton (ankle) The rookie left tackle won’t be available, which could force Dallas to get creative up front. Protecting the quarterback becomes even more critical against a Detroit pass rush that’s been heating up in recent weeks.
- CB Trevon Diggs (knee) Diggs remains out with a knee injury, continuing his extended absence. His playmaking ability in the secondary is sorely missed, and the Cowboys will once again lean on their depth at corner to fill the void.
What It Means Heading Into Thursday
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, but the Lions’ offensive line depth is going to be tested the most. With both starting tackles nursing shoulder injuries and questions at guard and center, Detroit will need to be sharp in their protection schemes-especially against a Dallas defense that thrives on pressure.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ offense will have to adjust without their starting left tackle, and their secondary remains without one of its top ballhawks in Diggs.
This is a crucial game for playoff positioning, and while injuries are part of the December grind, how each team adapts could determine the outcome under the primetime spotlight.