One of the key matchups to watch will be the Lions weakened front-7 who just lost a starting LB vs the Colts weakened offensive line who will be missing three starters.
Over the week, the Lions had two new injuries to CB’s, but otherwise the active roster is healthy. The Colts had an upgrade to their RT who will play.
DETROIT LIONS
Out – Ennis Rakestraw CB (hamstring UL UL NP)
Rakestraw had a hamstring strain earlier this year and missed weeks two and three. It’s uncertain the severity of the current hamstring injury. We will know more depending on if he is placed on IR this weekend. He has otherwise been healthy after coming back from core muscle surgery about 11 months ago.
Questionable – Terrion Arnold CB (groin UL LP FP)
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated: “This morning he went in and got treatment, everything looks like it’s pretty good…. I’m not concerned right now but we’ll see how this day goes.” Those words are reassuring that Arnold does not have a significant injury. The FP strongly suggests he will play vs the Colts.
In the unlikely event that Arnold is out, expect to see Kindle Vildor who filled in when Carlton Davis left as a precaution last game.
Questionable – Emmanuel Moseley CB (pec FP FP FP)
Dan Campbell stated on Friday: “He’s trending the right way…. We see him doing a little bit of everything corner, nickel, safety.”
Moseley tore his pec in August and opened his 21-day practice window on November 6. The loss of Rakestraw slightly increases the chances Moseley will be active, but I still expect him to be out. If he’s indeed out, expect him to be moved to the active roster early next week with a chance to play on Thanksgiving.
In – Sam LaPorta TE (shoulder FP FP FP)
LaPorta missed one game with a left AC joint sprain. Dan Campbell on Friday stated: “He’s been good….he’s got fresh legs.” LaPorta is in with no expected limitations.
In – Carlton Davis CB (thumb FP FP FP)
Davis broke his left thumb last week in practice and played the entire first half vs the Jaguars in a thumb splint. He was pulled for the second half presumably as a precaution. The 3x FP is reassuring that the thumb is recovering fine.
In – Shane Zylstra TE (neck FP FP FP)
Zylstra left the last game late in the fourth quarter. Fortunately, the neck injury was not serious.
NOTABLES
Out – Jalen Reeves-Maybin
JRM was place on IR two weeks ago for an unspecified neck injury. His earliest eligible return is week 14 vs the Packers. Dan Campbell on Friday gave an update: “We’re hopeful [he’ll return], but we really don’t know at this time.”
Out – Alex Anzalone
This starting LB was placed on IR this week with a forearm fracture. He should be back in about seven weeks.
In – Brodric Martin
This is Martin’s first week on the active roster after a right knee hyperextension in preseason. Whether he is active on gameday will depend on where the coaches view him on the depth chart.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Out – Bernhard Raimann LT (knee NP NP NP)
This starting LT will miss his second straight game.
Questionable – Tyquan Lewis DE (elbow FP FP FP)
Having just opened his practice window this week after missing seven games, I would not expect him to play.
In – Josh Downs WR (calf UL FP FP)
Downs has the most receptions on the team with 50 for 567 yards. Only Alec Pierce has more receiving yardage with 590.
In – Braden Smith RT (foot/rest LP FP NP)
This starting RT has played every game this year and that will continue.
In – Michael Pittman WR (back FP FP FP)
Pittman has been dealing with a back issue for a few weeks but will play through. He has 35 catches for 412 yards on the year.
In – Kenny Moore CB (knee UL FP FP)
Moore plays almost 100% of defensive snaps.
In – DeForest Buckner DT (rest UL UL NP)
In – Zaire Franklin LB (rest UL UL NP)
In – Grover Stewart DT (rest UL UL NP)
NOTABLES
Out – Ryan Kelly C
This starting center has missed the last two games on IR.
Out – Will Fries RG
This starting RG has missed the last six games on IR.