Tag: carlton davis

Options for the Lions to replace top CB Carlton Davis

Breaking down the options for the Lions to replace top CB Carlton Davis after he suffered an injury in Detroit’s loss to Buffalo

The Detroit Lions defense suffered a major injury in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Starting cornerback Carlton Davis went down with a head injury in the first half and was ruled out. After the game, head coach Dan Campbell did not sound at all optimistic about Davis’ availability to play anytime soon; it’s a potential season-ending injury, according to Campbell.

Davis had been playing exceptional football leading up to the injury. No cornerback earned a higher PFF coverage grade over the prior four weeks than Davis. His ability to anticipate routes and stay in phase in coverage against varying types of receivers is something Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn leaned upon to build Detroit’s coverage scheme.

Replacing him this late into the season won’t be easy. Perhaps the top option was “next man up” Khalil Dorsey, but Dorsey is out for the year with a gnarly broken leg suffered in the same game.

Move Amik Robertson outside

Slot corner Amik Robertson has considerable NFL starting experience playing on the outside. Despite his lack of size at 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, Robertson proved a significantly better outside corner than slot during his years with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Robertson is playing well inside for the Lions, where he’s been ensconced since the team’s minicamp in June. Moving him to Davis’ spot would require shuffling in someone new to the slot, of course. Emmanuel Moseley could be an option there; Moseley was repping ahead of Robertson inside before suffering a torn pec in training camp. Now healthy and active again, Moseley has been a healthy scratch since returning from I.R.

Kindle Vildor

Against the Bills, Vildor was the primary replacement for Davis post-injury. Given how porous the entire defense played on Sunday, it’s hard to separate the wheat from the chaff in evaluating Vildor’s performance against Buffalo without deeper film review.

Vildor is known for two things: his twitchy athleticism and his epic gaffe in the NFC Championship game in San Francisco. There might not be a faster player to top speed on the entire roster than Vildor — including Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams — and his leaping ability and change-of-direction quickness are incredibly impressive. Yet they don’t always translate well in coverage, where Vildor has proven to be impatient and unsure of his surroundings too often.

He knows the system, has experience in the role and has the athletic profile to provide something close to what Davis offered. Whether Vildor can step up his game is the issue.

Emmanuel Moseley

As noted above, Moseley is healthy and active. At least in spirit, anyway. In practice, the Lions have kept the oft-injured veteran on ice even after activating him from I.R. three weeks ago.

Moseley was on track to win the starting slot CB gig, though that’s a spot he’s almost never played in his seven-year NFL career, primarily with the 49ers. He’s an outside corner with size and press-man experience, noted for his tackling and pre-snap recognition.

The issue with turning to Moseley is his own lengthy injury history. He’s played exactly four snaps since Week 5 of the 2022 season, thanks to two separate torn ACLs and the torn pec that sidelined him for the first 11 games of 2024. Moseley has spent time on I.R. in six of his seven NFL seasons, and the injuries are literally all over his body.

Ennis Rakestraw

Rakestraw is currently on I.R. with a hamstring injury suffered in practice before the Lions’ Week 12 game against the Colts. That means he’s spent the required minimum time on the injured list and is eligible to be activated — if he’s healthy.

Big “if” there…

Rakestraw has battled soft tissue injuries (like the hamstring) going back to his high school days. He’s already had three separate instances of missing time in his eight months with the Lions. One of the reasons a player with his coverage talent and impressive length fell to the No. 61 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was very real concerns over his ability to stay on the field. Thus far, those concerns have been validated.

Dan Campbell has thus far offered little on Rakestraw’s progress. Pay attention to if he’s seen working out during the limited portion of practice open to the media on Monday and Wednesday. Also, keep in mind that Rakestraw played behind both Dorsey and Vildor on the defensive depth chart when he was healthy.

Practice squad and outside help

The Lions currently have one corner on the practice squad, undrafted rookie Morice Norris. The Fresno State product showed some physicality and intensity in training camp, enough that he cross-trained at safety. He’s a natural slot corner, so elevating Norris would mean he’s a backup option on the inside only, as well as for special teams purposes.

As for free agents, there are very limited options. The most prominent name, former Pro Bowler Xavien Howard, has been on the workout circuit for months and failed to impress Cincinnati, Dallas and others enough in those workouts to get signed despite injury desperation with those teams.

Old friend Jerry Jacobs is the most appealing option on the free agent market. Jacobs started 29 games in three seasons in Detroit, including 12 last year. His coverage work was inconsistent, and he too has not latched on anywhere despite several workouts with different teams–including the Broncos just last week. Jacobs knows the defensive system and at least provides strong run support on the outside, making him a worthwhile candidate to return to Detroit.

Lions postgame medical report following the Bills game

Lions postgame medical report following the Bills game, with updates on McNeill, Davis, Dorsey and more injured Detroit players

The playoffs can’t come soon enough for the Lions as the defense is running low on players to even limp to the finish line. Multiple defenders went down vs the Bills including two key starters in Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis.

Postgame, Dan Campbell delivered pessimistic outlooks on those two: “We’ll know more [Monday], I don’t feel good about either one of those guys… for the rest of the year.”

UPDATE: On Monday, reports confirmed that McNeill is out for the season with an ACL, and Davis is out for six weeks with a fractured jaw.

Dan Campbell on Monday stated that David Montgomery is having surgery and is out for the season.

Definitively lost for the season also is Khalil Dorsey who is a valuable backup CB and special teams player.

Here are the injuries seen on initial look including suspected diagnoses:

Carlton Davis – jaw 1q 12:30 & 2q 13:29

UPDATED: Davis confirmed to have a fractured jaw and is out six weeks. If accurate, he has a chance to be back for the NFC championship game which is in six weeks. 

In the 1st quarter, Davis took a shot to the left side of the helmet during a tackle and was out for one play. In the 2nd quarter, video is obscured but you can presume that he took a blow to the left side of his head again. Afterwards, trainers are seen checking out his left jaw area, and he did not return to the game.

This wouldn’t be the first time this year that Davis has taken trauma to the left side of his head. Back in Week 6, a cleat hit the left side of his helmetless head. It’s uncertain if all these injuries are related.

David Montgomery – right MCL 2q 7:39

UPDATE: Dan Campbell reports that Montgomery is having knee surgery and is out for the year. 

It’s not clear when the injury happened. The suspicious play is when he got his right leg tangled up at the end of a run. The next carry after that, it appeared his right leg gave out on him. He stayed in another play before leaving for the rest of the half.

Montgomery returned to start the 3rd quarter with a visible right knee wrap. He was able to play into the 4th quarter and looked fine doing so. After the game, Dan Campbell stated he’s “a little banged up”. Hopefully, this is just a mild knee sprain or contusion and nothing unexpected shows up on MRI.

Khalil Dorsey – right tibia and fibula fracture near the ankle 2q 1:47

Dorsey will be out for the season. His fracture is similar to Aidan Hutchinson’s except Dorsey’s appears to be lower down the leg and closer to the ankle joint. It was officially listed as an ankle. Thus, there is concern for joint damage here which potentially makes it a more complicated injury than Hutchinson’s which spared the joint. Dorsey will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Interestingly, Dorsey was at high risk for the same injury last year when he made a tripping tackle on kick coverage. The impact force on that play last year looked much greater than the one that broke his leg this year. This epitomizes the fluky nature of many NFL injuries.

Alim McNeill – right ACL 3q 7:20

UPDATED: McNeill confirmed to have an ACL tear. Full recovery is generally very reliable but lengthy. Expected return would be around October-November 2025, thus the injury affects next season also. Hopefully, there is no associated meniscus damage along with the ACL. 

Video was not obvious here. It’s not clear exactly which step he hurt his knee but suspecting it was the final step when he comes down hard on a straight leg. Best case scenario would be a mild bone bruise or knee sprain. Meniscus damage is a possibility. Worst cases are an ACL or a fracture. We should know the prognosis very soon.

Terrion Arnold – passed concussion evaluation 4q 14:00

Arnold went up high to defend a pass and landed hard on his back causing his head to whiplash onto the turf. This easily could have caused a concussion, but he presumably passed the evaluation and finished out the game. Delayed symptoms are unlikely but possible, and we should know that by the first practice on Wednesday.

Brian Branch – right upper leg strain 4q 4:12

This is the second time in two games that Branch has reached for his right upper lateral leg area after a tackle. He did this last week vs the Packers also. In each instance, he was awkwardly bent over to the side while making the tackle.

He was able to stay in the game both times, but there may be a mild underlying injury that he has been battling through. A muscle/tendon or iliotibial band strain are possible.

Carlton Davis OUT in concussion protocol, dealing with jaw injury

Lions CB Carlton Davis is OUT in concussion protocol, dealing with jaw injury suffered in first half against the Bills

Lions cornerback Carlton Davis is in the concussion protocol. He was also labeled as questionable to return with a jaw injury.

Davis had a helmet-to-helmet collision during the first half and walked off the field with trainers before going into the medical tent. After initially being ruled as questionable to return, the Lions medical staff ruled Davis out for the rest of the game.

 

Carlton Davis has been downgraded to out. They’re calling it a jaw injury, not concussion.

— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@justin-rogers.bsky.social) December 15, 2024 at 6:11 PM

Davis missed Week 12 with a knee injury.

 

3 Thoughts before the Lions play the Bills

3 Thoughts before the Lions play the Bills in Week 15 from Lions Wire’s Russ Brown

When the Detroit Lions were getting ready to play against the Green Bay Packers last week, I was more than nervous. Did I think they were going to lose? No, not particularly but any sense of doubt came from the fact that the Lions having so many injuries on defense. Meanwhile, I just knew that the Lions were in a tough spot with their remaining schedule for the rest of the season.

Any loss could be detrimental to the Lions hopes of winning the NFC North or claiming the number one seed in the NFC.

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That feeling has since changed after last Thursday’s win against the Packers. As I mentioned on the Detroit Lions Podcast earlier this week, I said that the Lions winning that game feels like a turning point to the season. It feels like a new door has opened for Detroit and they’re the only team walking through that door. We’ll see if that holds true today against the Buffalo Bills.

With that, the Lions have to focus on one game at a time. Which, we all know, is exactly what they’re doing in their locker room. So focusing on the Lions and Bills game for today, I have three thoughts for what I’ll be watching or focusing on with this game.

Kwon Alexander and Jamal Adams fit in Detroit 

From watching the limited snaps from Alexander and Adams in their Lions debut last week against the Packers, they certainly didn’t look out of place. Despite being older players on the Lions defense (29 and 30 years old), both players still appear to have short-area quickness, and they’re able to contribute in the box.

We didn’t see Adams drop into pass coverage, but he was effective when blitzing. With him being sent off the edge, he was able to stay square to the quarterback and most importantly, Adams was able to keep Jordan Love in front of him. This forced the Packers quarterback to one side of the pocket. The question for today is whether Adams will be able to do that to Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

So far this year, Allen is 5th in the NFL for rushing yards by a quarterback with 416 rushing yards. Over the last four weeks, we’ve seen an increase in rushing from Allen. He’s generated 50 rushing yards or more in 3 out of his last 4 games. In those games, he’s had 8 carries or more. If the Bills game plan is for Allen to run more against Detroit, we could see an expanded role for Jamal Adams in this game.

 

As for Kwon Alexander, he’s still explosive and effective when triggering downhill. There were times that he got washed against the run when playing Green Bay last week, but he didn’t look out of place. Most importantly, he gives the Lions another option or potential weapon at the linebacker position.

Losing Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes was not on anyones bingo card this season. Fortunately, the Lions have seen consistent performances each week from Jack Campbell. Meanwhile, they’ve got Zeke Turner, David Long and now, Kwon Alexander to contribute in the middle of their defense.

Similar to Jamal Adams, I could see players such as David Long and Jack Campbell being sent on blitzes, and Alexander could be used in more of a spy-type role on Allen this week. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, we should all feel confident in what the game plan is and will be for Aaron Glenn’s defense.

Jameson Williams impact on the Lions offense

Since coming back from his suspension in week 10, Jameson Williams has been one of the Lions most consistent players. Since week 10, he’s had 5 targets or more in each game and has generated 50 receiving yards or more in each game but one of them.

Additionally, these aren’t forced targets like they were earlier in the year. We all remember when Goff targeted Williams 20 times in two games to start the season and each throw felt forced. Now, the passing game has opened up and Williams is a big part of that success.

 

Whether it be a deep ball down the field or Goff anticipating Williams on a crossing pattern, the big play ability is there on every single snap. Meanwhile, Williams continues to take pride in blocking on the perimeter for his teammates.

Having Williams find success on deep and shallow crossers also helps open up so much more of the Lions passing game. As we know, Amon-Ra St. Brown can run any route in the route tree. With consistent or more attention drawn to Williams, that puts St. Brown in more one-on-one situations and he tends to feast in those situations.

Lastly, Williams tends to influence defensive backs on the post or vertical route being run on the Lions Dagger Concept. We’ve seen it run multiple times this season, and the primary top target on that Dagger Concept is Tim Patrick. This trio of wide receivers all correlate with each other, and it’s helping Jared Goff and the Lions offense to find continued success in the passing game.

For the Buffalo Bills defense, they’ve already listed cornerback Rasul Douglas out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, their starting safeties, Damar Hamlin (back, ribs) and Taylor Rapp (neck, shoulder) are questionable today. If all three players are listed as out, we could see more from Jameson Williams in the Lions passing game.

Lions Ground and Pound Game 

There’s a term in mixed martial arts (MMA) called ground and pound, and when you watch the Lions run game, it looks and feels just like that. They will pound defenses on the ground and into the ground, for that matter.

The combination of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery is the best running duo in the NFL right now. Ranked with the 4th best rushing attack in the NFL with 151.1 rushing yards per game, the Lions run game is led by Jahmyr Gibbs.

Through 13 games, he already has 1016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His 5.7 yards per carry only ranks behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry for starting running backs in the NFL.

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As we know, Gibbs has earned the nickname, Sonic, and Montgomery has earned the nickname, Knuckles. But both have an element of both in their game. For example, Gibbs has no problem lowering his shoulder and running over a defender. Meanwhile, Montgomery is faster than given credit for and may be one of the most efficient runners in the NFL due to his vision and cutting ability.

For Montgomery, he only averages 4.3 yards per carry and his 771 rushing yards this season is better than just “okay.” The two running backs have combined for 10 rushing touchdowns or more in consecutive seasons and they’re the first duo to ever achieve that in NFL history.

When watching the Bills defense against the Rams last week, their interior defensive line was getting exposed. They had interior defenders revealing their chest far too frequently and they rarely fought pressure with pressure to squeeze down gaps. They were getting moved off the ball with ease and if that’s how they’re going to play against the Lions, then we could see Gibbs and Montgomery have their best games of the season.

On the road, the Bills run defense allow 130.7 rushing yards per game. In addition to that, they’ve allowed an average of 122.7 rushing yards per game in their last 3 games. Obviously, we’ll see how the game goes but I would expect a heavy dosage of Sonic and Knuckles for the Lions in this game.

 

Detroit’s stunning turnaround in pass coverage keys defensive improvement

The Detroit Lions invested heavily in upgrading the pass coverage and it’s paying off, with the Lions D allowing the lowest QB rating in 2024

The Detroit Lions have allowed the lowest opposing QB passer rating through the first 14 weeks of the 2024 NFL season. That is perhaps the most startling statistic you’ll see all week.

The Lions are allowing a cumulative passer rating of 76.5 en route to a 12-1 start. That’s a significant upgrade from the 93.1 that Aaron Glenn’s unit surrendered in 2023, a mark that ranked 23rd of 32 NFL teams. Passer rating encompasses completion percentage, yards per catch, touchdowns vs INTs and more. Give credit to the radical turnaround to the coverage, specifically the overhauled Detroit secondary.

Detroit swapped out Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, Tracy Walker and more, replacing them with Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson and a savvy move to install Brian Branch as a full-time safety after spending his rookie season in the slot. The investment in upgrading the coverage has paid off immediately.

Davis, signed as a free agent, is the top-graded cover corner in the NFL over the last month per PFF metrics. The team’s first-round pick, Arnold has been very effective in coverage, albeit something of a penalty magnet. Robertson has been steady in the slot and does a great job limiting yards after the catch.

The safety tandem of Branch and Kerby Joseph has been free to take more playmaking chances as a result, and it’s working. Joseph has a league-best seven INTs. Branch has already surpassed his INT and solo tackle totals from his fantastic rookie season. The vision and coordination of the two safeties have also been quite beneficial in overall coverage.

In 2023, the Lions earned a PFF coverage grade of 51.6 for the season, ranking 30th. Through Week 14, that grade has spiked to 82.4 — 4th-best in the league. Given that the QB pressure rate and sack rate are nearly identical to 2023, the revamped secondary and more aggressive man-coverage scheme from Glenn and his defensive staff deserve the Lions’ share of the credit for the considerable defensive improvement.

 

Carlton Davis PFF’s best cornerback over last month

Lions CB Carlton Davis is PFF’s best cornerback over last month

The Lions’ 12-1 record has been a total team effort. Offense, defense and special teams have all played a part, big or small, in helping the Lions win 11 straight games and keep control of the top seed in the NFC.

While you can pick just about anyone on the team, one player that is near the forefront of that list is cornerback Carlton Davis. Davis has been a huge free-agent acquisition for the Lions this season and even more so over the last few weeks of the season.

Take this stat for example: Since Week 9, Davis ranks as the No. 1 cornerback with an overall grade of 83.1 (among players with a minimum of 100 snaps played). He also has a coverage grade of 86.4, which leads the league as well.

Davis will tell you it’s a total team effort, but this is one time where it’s okay to single him out for his strong play.

Terrion Arnold’s performance against the Bears is a beautiful problem for the Lions defense

Terrion Arnold’s performance against the Bears is a beautiful problem for the Lions defense

Whenever looking at the analytics for a player after a game, I never take it at face value. The data that gets charted on a player’s performance is a nice tool to have, but it doesn’t always tell the real story. That happens to be the case for Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold after playing the Bears last week.

Looking at the data pulled from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Arnold was rated as one of the bottom-5 defenders for the Lions defense last week. He earned a 46.1 overall grade and has an overall grade of 49.5 this season.

However, when studying the tape against the Bears, it tells a different story about Terrion Arnold and his performance. Meanwhile, the Lions are faced with a beautiful problem with Arnold and his importance to the Lions’ defense. Let’s dive into some tape to look at what went right and what went wrong for Arnold on Thanksgiving!

 

Starting with what could have been the first career interception for Terrion Arnold, we go with the play above. Looking at that play, you’ll see see the Bears come out under center with their ’12’ personnel (one running back and two tight ends).

Playing with outside leverage on the bottom of the screen, you’ll see Arnold. Once the ball is snapped and the receiver releases up the field, you’ll see Arnold right behind the receiver. Using a trail technique, Arnold is in a great position to undercut a pass vertically down the field but he’s also in a good position to jump any route that breaks in, out or back to the quarterback.

In this instance, the wide receiver appears to be running some type of comeback or curl route. However, Arnold is in great position and is all over the route. Unfortunately, the ball is thrown somewhat lower than expected and Arnold isn’t able to get a hold of the ball for the interception. The good news is that Arnold was there and he made a great play on 2nd down.

 

Next, I want to focus on what could have been for Terrion Arnold. The play above could have been a huge play that would have prevented the Bears from scoring a touchdown on the following play.

Looking at the play above, you can see Arnold at the bottom of the screen and he’s playing with outside leverage. By playing with outside leverage, he forces Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze to release inside. This is good for Arnold because he’s got safety Kerby Joseph playing over the top and inside with potentially some expectation of jumping an inside route such as a post, dig or slant.

The unfortunate reality is that Arnold bites on the head fake to the inside and this gives Bears quarterback Caleb Williams a passing window to the outside. Despite being right there, the ball is completed for the first down and the Bears get the ball inside the Lions 10-yard line for first-and-goal. Had Arnold been able to break this pass up, it would have been a huge stop for the Lions on 3rd down.

As you can see, the data will paint one picture but the film paints another. There was a lot of good to come from Terrion Arnold in this game against the Bears. Personally, I think it was his best game as a rookie and that’s promising for a Lions defense that has been depleted by injuries and is currently dealing with a knee and thumb injury for the cornerback opposite of Arnold in Carlton Davis.

Against the Bears, Arnold was credited with giving up 2 receptions for 6 yards despite being targeted 6 times. He did record one tackle and a pass deflection in this game. Overall, it was a good bounce back performance for Arnold after missing the Colts game with a groin injury.

For us fans, we need to remain patient with Terrion Arnold. Meanwhile, he needs to continue to stay patient and disciplined when dropping into coverage. If he does, good things will turn into great things for him and the Lions defense.

Lions vs Packers: Monday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Packers: Monday injury report medical analysis for both teams ahead of Thursday’s game at Ford Field

The Lions have an unusual workweek with two Thursday games in a row. That means yesterday (Sunday) aligns with a typical Wednesday, and today (Monday) is like a Thursday. An NP (no practice) today could be viewed as a typical NP on a Thursday which means leaning out.

My main concerns coming out of last game were Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, and Malcom Rodriguez, and all showed up on today’s report except Rodriguez who was put on IR with a torn ACL. Here is my postgame report with injury videos of those four players.

There was a surprise after the game when Mekhi Wingo was placed on IR with a suspected right knee injury. Dan Campbell stated he is out for the season. We don’t have a diagnosis yet, but here is the video where Wingo may have been hurt:

DETROIT LIONS

Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP)

Dan Campbell stated on Sunday that he’s “day to day… it’ll come down to the wire whether he can go this week.” Video suggested a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain in the Colts game eight days ago. Last year, Decker missed two games with a similar-looking ankle sprain. He is officially listed with only a knee which suggests the knee is the more concerning issue.

Alim McNeill missed four games last year with an MCL that he played through during the game. I’m expecting Decker to be out for at least a second straight game. If he can return next week, that would be a good outcome.

DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)

Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder last game which was concerning for a subluxation. He stayed in the game but was clearly bothered. A subluxation could be a long-term issue so hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder sprain. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP)

Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He’s likely out this week given the propensity of hamstrings to get aggravated.

Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP)

Paschal took an awkward step and hurt his right knee on Thanksgiving. While the diagnosis is unknown, early signs are that the injury isn’t serious. It’s looking like he’s going to be out this week though.

Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP)

Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area eight days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. The LP is a very good sign that the injury is minor and he could be ready for Thursday.

Dan Campbell on Saturday stated: “He’s day to day, questionable”

Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP)

Now we have the answer to the mystery pregame issue that caused Moseley to miss Thanksgiving. Good news that the hamstring is very minor and the FP means he’s on track to play vs the Packers.

PLAYERS ON IR

Returning soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him at the end of the regular season.
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him towards the end of the regular season.

Uncertain return:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return this week.
  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.

Late playoffs at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
  • John Cominsky, MCL – Projected January return at earliest.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return:

  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  • Kyle Peko, left pec
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jaire Alexander CB, knee (LP)

This starting CB has missed 2 games with the PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. While he could probably use more time off, he may be playing vs the Lions.

Romeo Doubs WR, concussion (LP)

Doubs missed last game with a concussion. It looks like he’s progressing well through the protocol and will play. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.

Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP)

This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last two games with the hamstring and it looks like he’ll miss another. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.

Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP)

Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.

Elgton Jenkins OG, knee (NP)

Jenkins is a starting OG and has played in every game this year.

Here is the full Packers report:

Lions vs Bears: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bears: Final injury report and medical analysis for both teams on the Thanksgiving game in Week 13

For the Lions, the three main concerns coming out of last game were Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis, and Taylor Decker. Unfortunately, all three will be out tomorrow. Fortunately, none are long-term season-enders.

Here’s to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to the teams and fans!

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP NP)

The left thumb fracture happened two weeks ago and he has been playing through with a splint. The left knee injury happened last game. While it will keep him out, it doesn’t appear to be serious. Hopefully, it’s just a mild muscle/tendon strain to the posterior knee.

Out – Taylor Decker OT, knee (NP NP NP)

Decker appeared to suffer a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain last game. Even a mild version of these injuries can sideline a player for a couple weeks. While he will miss this Thursday, there is a decent chance he will be back next Thursday vs the Packers.

Questionable – Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, knee (NP LP FP)

St. Brown was grabbing at his right lateral distal knee and upper calf after a punt return in the 4th quarter last game. I’m suspecting just a mild contusion or muscle strain. He looked good finishing the last game and I expect him to play with minimal to no limitations.

Questionable – David Montgomery RB, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Montgomery left the last game with a suspected right shoulder contusion or AC joint sprain. The injury is mild and I expect no limitations on Thanksgiving.

In – DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP FP)

Since his first appearance in week two, Reader has played in every game logging around 40-60% of snaps. Expect this percentage to continue tomorrow.

In – Terrion Arnold CB, groin (FP FP FP)

After missing one game with the groin, Arnold is back in. His health is important with Davis out.

NOTABLES

Out – Kalif Raymond

Raymond’s left foot came down hard last game which was concerning for a turf toe, Lisfranc, among other things. As reported by Ian Rapaport, Raymond was placed on IR today but is expected to be back for the playoffs at the latest. This is a pretty good outcome as it could have been much worse. He is eligible to return on December 30 vs the 49ers.

In – Emmanuel Moseley CB

After missing all year with a pec tear, Moseley saw his first action last game with 15 special teams snaps. With Davis out, Arnold recovering, and Kindle Vildor struggling, Moseley might see some defensive snaps vs the Bears.

Out – Ennis Rakestraw CB

Rakestraw was placed on IR last week with a hamstring.

OTHER LIONS ON IR

Aidan Hutchinson DE – starter
Alex Anzalone LB – starter
Derrick Barnes LB – starter
Marcus Davenport DE – starter
John Cominsky DE/DT
Kyle Peko DT
Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB
Ifeatu Melifonwu S

CHICAGO BEARS

Out – Elijah Hicks S, ankle (NP NP NP)

This safety started for five straight games before hurting his ankle. He’ll miss his second straight game.

Out – Ryan Bates LG, concussion (LP LP NP)

Bates got a concussion two weeks ago and will miss his 2nd straight game.

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears, and two other prominent starters are questionable with injuries

Some unfortunate news from the Detroit Lions final injury report of Week 13. The Lions will face the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving without the services of starting left tackle Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis.

Both Decker and David suffered leg injuries in the Week 12 win over the Colts. The short week hindered their availability for the annual Thanksgiving game. Neither is expected to be a long-term injury.

In addition to Decker and Davis, running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are officially questionable for Thursday’s game. Montgomery injured his shoulder, while St. Brown banged up his knee on a punt return in Indianapolis on Sunday.

On a more positive front, rookie CB Terrion Arnold has no injury designation and will play. Arnold missed the trip to Indy with a groin issue.

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