Injuries don’t show up on the scoreboard, but they often decide who controls the game — and ahead of their latest NFC North clash, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are limping toward kickoff with availability questions that could reshape both game plans before the opening snap.
The Detroit Lions enter their NFC North matchup against the Minnesota Vikings carrying a lengthy and impactful injury report, one that could shape both the game plan and the depth chart as the regular season grinds on.
The Lions listed two players as out on their final injury report. Safety Avonte Maddox will miss the game due to a back injury and illness, thinning a secondary that has already been tested by injuries and inconsistent availability throughout the season. Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu is also ruled out with a knee injury, removing another developmental depth piece from Detroit’s offensive front.
More concerning for Detroit is the number of starters and key contributors listed as questionable. Offensive guard Trystan Colon (wrist) and defensive end Marcus Davenport (shoulder) headline a group that includes both sides of the ball. Left tackle Taylor Decker is listed with a shoulder issue and rest designation, a notable development given his importance protecting the edge of Jared Goff’s blind side. Decker’s availability will be monitored closely up to kickoff.
The Lions’ skill positions also appear banged up. Running back David Montgomery is questionable with an illness, while wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown carries a knee designation. St. Brown has been the engine of Detroit’s passing attack, and any limitation could force the Lions to rely more heavily on Jameson Williams and their tight end group. Special teams and depth roles are affected as well, with Khalil Dorsey (illness), Tom Kennedy (abdomen), and Christian Mahogany (fibula) all listed as questionable.
Defensively, interior anchor Alim McNeill (abdomen) and veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) are both questionable, potentially impacting Detroit’s ability to control the line of scrimmage. Cornerback Amik Robertson (hand) rounds out a report that underscores how much uncertainty the Lions face heading into a critical divisional matchup.
Minnesota’s injury report is shorter but includes several notable absences. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is ruled out after not practicing all week with a shoulder injury, a significant loss for a Vikings offense that often relies on his presence in the middle of the field. Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) was placed on season ending IR. Linebacker Austin Keys (ankle) is also out after missing the entire week of practice.
The Vikings will be without quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who did not practice all week due to a right-hand injury, meaning undrafted free agent Max Brosmer will earn the start. This will be Brosmers second career start, after throwing four interceptions and losing 26-0 to the Seahawks. Running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is ruled out . Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) is questionable after limited practices, leaving some uncertainty along Minnesota’s offensive line.
There are positive signs for the Vikings, however. Gavin Bartholomew (back) practiced fully all week but remains questionable, while Ty Chandler (knee), Javon Hargrave (thigh), Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle), and Eric Wilson (thumb) have no game designation after practicing in some capacity. Minnesota also noted that one player has returned to practice and is currently within the 21-day practice window.
With both teams navigating health concerns, availability and depth may prove decisive when the Lions and Vikings meet, adding another layer of intrigue to an already pivotal NFC North contest.