Packers Hit With Brutal Injury News Ahead of Massive Showdown Against Lions

The 3–2 Detroit Lions will take on the 4–2 Green Bay Packers this Sunday in an important NFC North divisional matchup. Detroit has already announced that Brian Branch will play and Cade Mays will start at center. Return man DeAndre Carter was also elevated from the practice squad to the active roster and will handle punt and kick returns for the Lions.

Detroit released a nearly clean injury report, with only Mays and Branch listed as questionable. However, both players are expected to play barring a setback.

The Packers, on the other hand, are dealing with a lengthy list of injuries. Green Bay will welcome one addition to its lineup, as Josh Jacobs has been removed from the commissioner’s exempt list and is expected to make his season debut for the Packers.

Green Bay has suffered numerous season-ending injuries heading into this matchup, an numerous players being placed on injured reserved. Currently on IR is starting wide receiver Jayden Reed, return specialist and wide receiver Skyy Moore, starting offensive tackle Zach Tom, starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, starting linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons and, most recently, starting linebacker Zaire Franklin was just ruled out.

Quarterback Jordan Love was previously listed on the injury report with a back injury but has since been removed and is good to go for Sunday. Matthew Golden, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, and Christian Watson, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, are also expected to play.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Bo Melton remains questionable with a back injury, starting guard Aaron Banks is questionable with a knee injury, and starting cornerback Benjamin St. Juste is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Detroit appears to have a significant advantage in terms of overall health heading into Sunday’s contest. It is rare to see the Lions this healthy at this point in the NFL season, especially coming off their bye week.

However, Detroit cannot afford to assume Green Bay’s injuries will be enough to slow down its divisional rival. The Packers just defeated the Dallas Cowboys, holding them to 13 points, with Dallas scoring their second touchdown in garbage time late in the fourth quarter.

After losing two of their first three games, the Packers have found their stride, winning their last three matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears and Cowboys.

Detroit, meanwhile, enters the matchup refreshed after its bye week and will look to take advantage of its relatively healthy roster as it prepares for its first divisional game of the season.