It’s early in the week but the Lions look to have the health advantage heading into the Cowboys game. The Cowboys just recently lost three impact edge rushers in Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Marshawn Kneeland. Similarly but to a lesser caliber, the Lions lost two edge players recently in Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes.
The Cowboys also have had two players’ expectations downgraded over the course of the week in Eric Kendricks and DaRon Bland.
On the positive side, the Lions are returning a couple key players coming out of the bye in Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, while the Cowboys are likely returning Caelen Carson.
DETROIT LIONS
A new listing popped up during the week with Kerby Joseph.
Kerby Joseph (UL LP FP – IN) hamstring, S
A hamstring strain in practice landed him on the Thursday report but won’t keep him out. Recall that Joseph also strained a hamstring before game 2 but did not miss the game.
Frank Ragnow (FP FP FP – IN) pec, C
After straining his left pec three weeks ago, he is ready to play vs the Cowboys with no concerns.
Brian Branch (FP FP FP – IN) illness, S
Branch missed one game after a concussion three weeks ago and an illness two weeks ago. He is more than ready to go now with no concerns.
Christian Mahogany (FP FP FP – OUT) illness, OG
After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months and the 3x FP supports this. He will be inactive though since he is far behind mentally and there are many players ahead of him on the depth chart.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Downgrades in expectation over the week include DaRon Bland and Eric Kendricks.
With three of their top edge players out, the Cowboys will be relying on Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat. Golston is a 4th-year player, who has five sacks in his career and picked up a half sack last game. Wheat is a 2nd-year player with 0.5 career sacks who got significantly more playing time last game.
Micah Parsons (NP NP NP – OUT) ankle, LB
This elite pass rusher will miss the Lions game due to a high ankle sprain.
Eric Kendricks (NP NP NP – OUT) calf/shoulder, LB
Kendricks played 100% of defensive snaps last game which makes his out designation a surprise. This could be a big loss in the middle of the defense. Lions fans are very familiar with Kendricks who played eight years in Minnesota.
DaRon Bland (FP FP NP – Questionable) foot, CB
This 1st-team All-Pro CB has been out the whole season due to a stress fracture in his 5th metatarsal but was expected to make a limited return this Sunday. However, an NP on Friday puts his return in doubt.
Bland’s injury is in the location of a Jones fracture which is a tricky injury due to the higher risk of malunion (non-healing bone) and refracture. The NP could indicate a setback of some kind.
Caelen Carson (FP FP FP – Questionable) shoulder, CB
Carson has been inactive the past two weeks but with 3x FP, I expect him to play on Sunday. He played 98% of defensive snaps three weeks ago so his return will boost the Cowboys secondary.
Nick Vigil (NP NP NP – Questionable) foot, ILB
Vigil has not played a defensive snap the last three games but plays regularly on special teams. Three NP suggests out.
Tyler Guyton (FP FP FP – IN) knee, LT
This 1st-round rookie starter exited the last game due to a left knee injury. The injury is reportedly minor and the 3x FP confirms this. He will start on Sunday. In case there is an aggravation, look for Tyler Smith to move from LG to LT and TJ Bass to insert at LG.
Trevon Diggs (FP NP FP – IN) ankle/illness, CB
Diggs played 100% of defensive snaps last week. A new issue popped up during the week but won’t keep him out.
Zack Martin (NP NP FP – IN) rest/back, OG
NOTABLES UNLISTED
Demarcus Lawrence DE, right foot Lisfranc – IR
This star DE is a big loss for the Cowboys and may be out for multiple months.
Marshawn Kneeland DE, right knee meniscus – IR
This 2nd-round rookie who was filling in for the loss of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence left the last game due to a torn lateral meniscus. He had arthroscopic surgery this week and is on IR.
Brandin Cooks WR, right knee infection – IR
A joint infection is a serious issue that requires IV antibiotics and drainage. The loss of Cooks may not have a significant impact as the Cowboys have a dangerous WR corps of CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. The Lions secondary will be getting no breaks here.
Here is the full report:
