With kickoff just around the corner at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have released their inactive lists for this Christmas Day showdown - and there are a few notable names who won’t be suiting up.
Detroit Lions Inactives
- OL Trystan Colon
- OL Taylor Decker
- DL Tyler Lacy
- WR Dominic Lovett
- DB Avonte Maddox
- OL Michael Niese
- DL Mekhi Wingo
The headline here is Taylor Decker. The veteran left tackle didn’t practice on Wednesday and was one of eleven Lions players listed as questionable coming into today.
Ultimately, he didn’t get the green light and will be watching from the sidelines. That’s a significant absence for Detroit, especially against a Minnesota front that can create pressure in a hurry.
But it’s not all bad news for the Lions. David Montgomery and **Amon-Ra St.
Brown**, both of whom were also listed as questionable, are active and ready to go. That’s a big boost for an offense that thrives on balance and rhythm.
Out of the eleven questionable players Detroit listed, only Decker and Colon are sitting out - a relatively fortunate outcome considering the size of that injury report.
Minnesota Vikings Inactives
- **TE T.J.
Hockenson**
- LB Austin Keys
- RB Jordan Mason
- **QB J.J.
McCarthy**
- OT Brian O’Neill
- QB Brett Rypien (emergency QB)
For Minnesota, the biggest development is the absence of Brian O’Neill, who was a game-time decision after being listed as questionable. He suited up last week under similar circumstances, but this time around, he’ll be out. That forces yet another shuffle along the offensive line - something the Vikings have had to deal with far too often this season.
With O’Neill sidelined, Minnesota is expected to roll out an offensive line of Justin Skule (LT), Donovan Jackson (LG), Michael Jurgens (C), Will Fries (RG), and Blake Brandel (RT). It’s another patchwork unit, and with Detroit’s defensive front always capable of collapsing the pocket, protection will be something to watch closely.
As for the rest of the inactives, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and **J.J.
McCarthy** were already ruled out ahead of time, so no real surprises there. Hockenson’s absence continues to leave a void in the passing game - and with the Vikings’ quarterback situation still in flux, missing a reliable target like Hockenson only adds to the challenge.
With both teams dealing with key injuries, today’s matchup could come down to which side adapts better in the trenches. The Lions are down a cornerstone on the offensive line, while the Vikings are once again scrambling to piece together protection for their quarterback. It’s a chess match of depth and adjustments - and on a holiday afternoon in Minneapolis, that’s exactly the kind of drama fans can expect.