Detroit Lions Week 1 inactives: Kenny Golladay, Jeff Okudah OUT

The Detroit Lions have declared their Game Day inactives for their Week 1 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

The Detroit Lions have declared their Game Day inactives for their Week 1 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

In previous seasons, teams would have to remove seven players from their 53-man roster on game days, but in the COVID-19 environment of 2020, things are a bit different this season with more moving parts.

The first notable change to the Lions roster for this game was that it was expanded from 53 to 55 players yesterday with the practice squad elevations of OL Kenny Wiggins and RB Jonathan Williams. Wiggins and Williams will return to the practice squad tomorrow and neither will be subjected to waivers as this is their first elevation each.

Another rule the Lions will be taking advantage of today is the expanded game-day roster. By keeping eight offensive linemen active today, the roster can be increased from 46 to 48-players.

Bottom line: By adhering to the new protocols, the Lions still only have to decare seven players inactive for Week 1 — with the active roster and game-day roster both being increased by two players — and will have two additional players on the sidelines for today’s game.

Week 1 inactives list

  • WR Kenny Golladay, hamstring
  • CB Jeff Okudah, hamstring — reported earlier he would not play
  • RT Hal Vaitai, foot injury — ruled OUT on Friday’s injury report
  • TE Hunter Bryant, hamstring — previously ruled OUT
  • S C.J. Moore, hamstring — previously ruled OUT
  • G Logan Stenberg
  • RB Jonathan Williams

Golladay will likely be replaced by several reserve wide receivers with Marvin Hall likely being the next man up in the starting lineup.

Vaitai’s right tackle spot is expected to be occupied by third-year offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby, who has seven career starts over 26 games played — including six at right tackle.

Okudah was in a battle for a starting role with second-year corner Amani Oruwariye, who is expected to start alongside Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman.

Bryant being ruled out leaves the Lions with only two tight ends active, so keep an eye out for an extra offensive lineman when the offense goes into big sets — Wiggins and Oday Aboushi could see time in this role.

Moore missing today’s game will be felt more on special teams than defense and it’s unclear who will replace him in the third phase, but it will most likely be a combination of defensive backs like Darryl Roberts and Will Harris.

Despite being promoted yesterday, Williams is inactive, this likely means rookie running back D’Andre Swift is fully healthy and Williams’ promotion was just for insurance purposes.

Bears Inactives