The first Lions-Packers showdown set the tone for both teams’ seasons. The second might be decided by who’s left standing.
As the Detroit Lions prepare for their second meeting of the season with the Green Bay Packers, one thing is clear: both teams look significantly different from the versions that met in Week 1. A long list of injuries and roster changes will reshape Sunday’s matchup, leaving several key contributors sidelined and others returning just in time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who’s in and who’s out for both NFC North rivals.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers enter the rematch missing several major pieces, starting with tight end Tucker Kraft, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL. Kraft was quiet for most of the season opener but did record the team’s first touchdown of the game against Detroit.
Green Bay will also be without starting center Elgton Jenkins, who continues to rehab an ankle injury. His absence leaves a notable hole in the middle of the offensive line as the Packers attempt to slow Detroit’s interior pass rush.
Running back Josh Jacobs, who missed last week’s game with a knee issue, is off the injury report and expected to play. His availability is significant for an offense that has relied heavily on him when healthy.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed remains on injured reserve as he works back from a shoulder injury suffered in Week 1. Reed posted three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown in the opener and has not played since. Fellow wide receiver Savion Williams has also been ruled out.
On defense, the Packers took a major hit with edge rusher Lukas Van Ness ruled out. Van Ness was impactful in the first meeting, recording half a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. His loss leaves Green Bay with fewer options to pressure Jared Goff. Defensive lineman Karl Brooks, a depth piece, is also out.
Green Bay still has several notable players listed as questionable: first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, starting cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nix, and starting linebacker Quay Walker. Each plays a significant role on defense, and their statuses could influence Sunday’s game plan.
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s biggest headline of the week came off the field, as veteran center Frank Ragnow officially stepped out of retirement. While he is not expected to play Sunday, the Lions hope he can return as early as next week against Dallas.
The Lions will be without starting safety Kerby Joseph, who continues to deal with a lingering knee injury. Edge rusher Josh Paschal has also been ruled out, thinning Detroit’s defensive front.
Offensively, the Lions will be missing center Graham Glasgow, a critical piece of their line. Wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond is also out, as is tight end Brock Wright, who had been filling in for the injured Sam LaPorta.
Detroit’s list of questionable players is lengthy but team officials expect most of them to be available. That group includes cornerback Terrion Arnold, left tackle Taylor Decker, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, offensive linemen Miles Frazier and Tate Ratledge, right tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Isaac Tesiaa and running back Sione Vaki. The Lions waived cornerback Arthur Maulet earlier this week, a move that signals confidence Arnold will return from concussion protocol. Both Davenport and Frazier were activated from injured reserve and are expected to see the field.
A Game That May Come Down to Star Power
With both teams dealing with extensive injuries, Sunday’s game could hinge on which star players shine brightest. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Packers quarterback Jordan Love, Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Packers running back Josh Jacobs are all positioned to play crucial roles. In a matchup full of uncertainty, one thing is certain: if your name starts with a “J,” you might just be the difference-maker.