Injury updates, what’s been going on around the NFC north a small preview of the Sunday matchup against Minnesota
Coming off their bye week, the Lions enter Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings rested, at their healthiest in years and poised to exploit a reeling divisional foe at Ford Field.
The NFC North landscape shifted over the weekend. The Chicago Bears saw their four-game win streak snapped in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Chicago could begin resembling last season's version under head coach Ben Johnson, who has done a respectable job steering a young roster. The Lions face the Bears again in Week 18, a potential tiebreaker showdown.
Minnesota, meanwhile, was routed 37-10 by the Los Angeles Chargers in Carson Wentz's final start of the season. Wentz was placed on season-ending injured reserve, all but confirming rookie J.J. McCarthy's return in Week 9. McCarthy, who hasn't played since Week 2, will make just his third career start, potentially giving Detroit's veteran defense, led by Aidan Hutchinson, opportunities to exploit rookie mistakes and force turnovers.
Elsewhere in the division, the Green Bay Packers overcame a 16-7 halftime deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers on the road. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-point second half, including 21 in the fourth quarter, silencing early concerns about offensive rhythm. Running back Josh Jacobs struggled, however, managing just 33 yards on 13 carries. The Packers improved to 5-1-1, the NFC's best record.
Injury and Roster Updates
Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez's 21-day practice window has opened as he rehabs an ACL injury that sidelined him all season. Rodriguez is targeting a Week 11 return against the Philadelphia Eagles, a game with potential NFC No. 1 seed implications and massive playoff positioning stakes.
Detroit cut cornerback Kendall Fuller, who never appeared in a game and served primarily as secondary insurance amid early-season depth concerns. The move coincided with Terrion Arnold donning pads in practice, signaling a possible return as early as Sunday after missing time with a pectoral issue. Backups Nick Whiteside and Arthur Maulet played well against Tampa Bay and have earned roster spots through consistent coverage and run support.
Safety Brian Branch returns after a one-game suspension, and safety Kerry Joseph is also expected back, bolstering a depleted secondary that held firm in recent weeks. Edge rusher Marcus Davenport is eligible to return but his status remains unclear following a chest injury. Second-round pick Josh Paschal — who recorded two sacks in 14 games last season — has yet to play but could factor in soon as a rotational pass rusher. Cornerback D.J. Reed remains on injured reserve and must miss at least one more week.
Through eight weeks, Detroit has avoided major injuries, particularly to its star offensive players — quarterback Jared Goff, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and the dynamic backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. This rare durability could be a key factor in any Super Bowl push.
Game Outlook
The Vikings enter at 3-4 and struggling, with defensive injuries mounting and an offense still searching for identity under McCarthy. The Lions are 9.5-point favorites at Ford Field, and the line could climb with Detroit's home dominance (4-0 this season). Despite Minnesota's strong coaching under Kevin O'Connell and divisional toughness, Detroit's balanced offense, refreshed legs and opportunistic defense should prove too much. Expect the Lions to handle business and improve to 6-2.