With 17 players on the injury report and a crucial three-game homestand looming, the Lions enter Week 12 limping — but far from folding.
The Detroit Lions began preparations this week for their matchup against the New York Giants, and the team’s first estimated practice report featured an unsettling number: 17 players listed with injuries, including five starters who did not practice.
Because the Lions held only a walkthrough Wednesday, the report was based on projected participation rather than an actual practice. Detroit was already without Marcus Davenport, D.J. Reed, Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, Malcolm Rodriguez and Sam LaPorta in last week’s loss.
Defensive Notes
Safety Brian Branch was listed as a nonparticipant, though head coach Dan Campbell offered optimism, saying, “With Branch, I think we’re gonna be OK.”
Second year cornerback Terrion Arnold remains in concussion protocol. Campbell called him “day to day,” adding, “We’ll see,” with visible caution. Concussions have been unpredictable across the league — Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is set to miss his third straight game with one — so Arnold’s status remains uncertain.
There was encouraging news for linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who was activated from injured reserve and listed as a full participant, signaling he should make his season debut Sunday.
Cornerback D.J. Reed, limited throughout last week, remained limited Tuesday. Campbell said he’s “hopeful” Reed can return, which would provide a major boost to Detroit’s secondary.
Safety Kerby Joseph was listed as a nonparticipant and is at risk of missing his fifth straight game.
Defensive end Marcus Davenport, who hasn’t played since Week 2, had his 21-day activation window opened last week, and was listed as limited. Campbell said Davenport is “getting better,” indicating a possible return. With a short week ahead, Detroit hosts Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Campbell may manage certain players cautiously.
Defensive lineman Josh Paschal was also listed as limited, giving him a chance to play.
Offensive Notes
On the offensive line, tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker were listed as nonparticipants in the estimated report. Sewell is widely expected to play, but Decker’s status is less certain. The 32-year-old veteran has already missed two games this season, though he played every snap Sunday against Philadelphia.
Tight end Sam LaPorta remains out for at least another three games due to a back injury. Campbell said he is “hopeful but doesn’t really know” whether LaPorta will return this season.
The rest of Detroit’s offensive injuries were less severe. Linemen Tate Ratledge (knee) and Graham Glasgow (knee) were listed as limited participants. Ratledge was not on last week’s report, while Glasgow played through a back injury and logged every snap.
Wide receiver Isaac Teslaa was questionable up until game time last week. Teslaa wound up playing and was listed as limited with an oblique issue this week. Second-year lineman Miles Frazier was upgraded to a full participant, a positive development given the offensive line’s injuries.
Tight end Brock Wright, questionable last week with an ankle injury, was limited again. Running back Sione Vaki, who did not play Sunday, was also limited.
Return men Jacob Saylors and Kalif Raymond both logged full participation and are expected to be available.
Looking Ahead
The injury list is long, but returning to Ford Field provides a meaningful advantage. The Giants, despite their 2-9 record, have shown the ability to compete and cannot be overlooked. With a three-game homestand beginning Sunday, securing a win is crucial for Detroit as it fights to climb back into NFC North contention.