The Lions are heading into Sunday Night Football healthier than their opponent, but Carolina’s growing injury list could create a major advantage Detroit cannot afford to waste.
Detroit Lions fans will be waiting all day for Sunday night as they prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football. Carolina is currently 1–2, with its only win coming against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Detroit sits at 2–1 after picking up victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets.
Typically, the Lions are the team dealing with a lengthy injury report, but this week, the Panthers are facing several significant injuries of their own. Let’s break down where each team stands heading into Sunday night.
Panthers
Carolina received some significant injury news earlier this week, as both starting cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, are being placed on injured reserve, guaranteeing their absence against Detroit. This matchup is shaping up to be a battle of which secondary can hold up better, as both defenses could struggle considerably against the opposing passing attacks.
Those aren’t the only injuries Carolina is dealing with. Quarterback Bryce Young took a hit against the Cleveland Browns and appeared on the injury report. However, he logged a full practice and appears to be on track to play Sunday night.
Wide receiver Jalen Coker is dealing with a quad injury that forced him to miss a significant portion of last week’s game. Coker was listed as a did-not-practice participant on Carolina’s estimated injury report and is currently questionable. His potential absence would be significant, as he leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Former first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette is also not expected to play as he continues to deal with a knee injury.
On the offensive line, first-round rookie tackle Monroe Freeling is dealing with a concussion and could struggle to clear the league’s concussion protocol before Sunday night. Starting guard Damien Lewis was also ruled out after suffering a UCL injury. Meanwhile, backup running back Jonathan Brooks was placed on injured reserve after week two.
Defensively, outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen is dealing with an ankle injury and was listed as a did-not-practice participant. However, Carolina could receive a significant boost with the expected return of linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had an outstanding start to his season before being ruled out last week. Lloyd has indicated that he expects to play.
Detroit
For Detroit, the injury report is considerably shorter heading into the weekend.
Amon-Ra St. Brown appeared to tweak his ankle against the Jets, finishing the game with just four receptions. However, he was not listed on the injury report and is expected to be good to go Sunday night.
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch was listed as a did-not-practice participant as he continues to deal with a foot injury. Bartch was inactive last week, and his availability for Sunday’s game remains uncertain.
Defensive end D.J. Wonnum recorded two sacks against the Jets but appeared on the injury report with a back injury and was listed as a did-not-practice participant. It would be a significant loss if Wonnum were unable to play, as he has provided a valuable pass-rushing presence for Detroit. It would also deny him an opportunity to face his former team, having spent the previous three seasons with Carolina.
Cornerback D.J. Reed also appeared on the injury report, participating in a limited practice while dealing with a rib injury. Reed is expected to play, but his status is worth monitoring throughout the remainder of the week.
Overall
Detroit appears to have the advantage when it comes to overall health, particularly with Carolina potentially missing both of its starting cornerbacks. That could create some favorable opportunities for Jared Goff and the Lions’ passing attack.
However, Detroit cannot afford to overlook the Panthers. Carolina is coming off a playoff appearance and a division title, and the team will be looking to make a statement on a national stage.
While the Lions are accustomed to playing under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, having appeared in a Sunday night game in each of the past three seasons, Carolina has not played in that time slot in nearly a decade.
With both teams dealing with injuries in key areas, Sunday night’s matchup could ultimately come down to which defense does a better job of limiting explosive plays.
