Packers Could Get Two Game-Changing Stars Back Just in Time to Face the Lions

The Detroit Lions are officially on their bye week and have already begun making roster changes. Detroit placed three players on injured reserve: linebacker Devin White, who broke his arm, punt returner Tom Kennedy, and offensive lineman Ben Bartch.

Bartch had been dealing with a foot injury and missed the previous two weeks, but the injury appears to be more serious than initially expected, prompting Detroit to place him on injured reserve. Head coach Dan Campbell has already said he expects White to return later this season once he is fully healthy. Unfortunately for Kennedy, his season is over after suffering an MCL injury.

Detroit has already made a move to address Kennedy’s absence by signing veteran return man DeAndre Carter. Carter has appeared in 111 games and recorded 155 punt returns for 1,508 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per return.

The Lions will now have the full week to prepare for the Green Bay Packers, who could be getting two major additions ahead of their Week 7 matchup.

Recently, Josh Jacobs was removed from the commissioner’s exempt list, where he had been placed amid a domestic violence case. Jacobs is now eligible to play, with his first opportunity coming against Detroit in Week 7. After missing the first six weeks of the season, Jacobs could provide a significant boost to Green Bay’s offense.

He isn’t the only major addition the Packers could have available. All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons could potentially return when the Packers take on the Lions. Although Parsons will not make his debut this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys he could be ready to play by week seven.

However, despite potentially getting both players back, the Packers will be without several starters who have suffered season-ending injuries.

Most recently, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Green Bay has also lost starting wide receiver Jayden Reed to a neck injury, starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a torn patellar tendon, and starting linebacker Edgerrin Cooper to an Achilles injury.

Like many of Detroit’s opponents this season, Green Bay will enter the matchup dealing with significant injuries.

Even though Jacobs and Parsons have yet to play an NFL snap this season, the Lions will need to account for both players. Each is capable of making game-changing plays, and overlooking either one could be costly.

Fortunately for Detroit, the Lions are also expected to get reinforcements. Safety Brian Branch is expected to return and make his season debut, potentially providing a significant boost to the defense.

As the Lions prepare for a crucial NFC North matchup, Detroit currently enters the game as a 3.5-point home favorite over Green Bay.