Tag: Trey Flowers

Lions Week 13 injury designations: Matthew Stafford ruled out, Frank Ragnow in

The Detroit Lions have released their Week 13 injury designations and declared quarterback Matthew Stafford, while center Frank Ragnow has been cleared from the league’s concussion protocol.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) have announced their injury designations ahead of their Week 13 matchup with the Chicago Bears (5-6) on Thanksgiving day at Ford Field.

The Lions have 13 players listed on the injury report, with four being ruled out, another six listed as questionable and three not being listed with a designation.

Ruled out

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Stafford is working hard to return to the field but is still not medically cleared. Maybe the extra rest ahead of the next game will give him the time he needs to heal up, or maybe the team will look ahead to the future and shut him down for the season. Only time will tell.

Hall was in a walking boot after the last game and unsurprisingly won’t play in this game. The Lions only have three healthy wide receivers active right now, so a roster move may be made before tomorrow’s game.

Melvin was a game-time decision last Sunday, but his rib injury is apparently more significant than what was originally thought. Amani Oruwariye will most likely get the start as the third Lions corner in his place.

Agnew is still not ready to play, meaning the Lions will turn to Ty Johnson on kick returned and most likely Danny Amendola on punt returns — as Hall, the second in line on punt returns, is also out.

Questionable

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)

Driskel was limited in all three practices this week, nursing a hamstring injury, but expectations are he will give it a go on Thursday and start the game. If Driskel can’t play or aggravates his injury the Lions would turn to undrafted rookie David Blough.

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Hockenson was limited to start the week but was upgraded to full on Wednesday and is expected to be fine to play.

Flowers saw limited work on Tuesday and a full practice on Wednesday suggesting he only needs medical clearance from an independent doctor to pass the league’s concussion protocol. If he does, he will start.

Harrison is going through his standard limited week and expectations are he will be good to start. It’s possible he will see fewer snaps, but he should play.

Hand and Walker saw limited practices all week after not being able to practice the week prior. Both will likely be game-time decisions. If either play, it will be a big boost to the Lions defense.

Not listed with an injury designations

C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
OG Kenny Wiggins (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Ragnow is not listed with an injury designation, meaning he is expected to start on Thursday. It has not yet been confirmed if he has passed the medical stage of the concussion protocol, but if he hasn’t, him being listed in this section suggests the team expects him to.

Wiggins’ knee doesn’t appear to be an issue as he was listed as having full practices all week.

Martin was upgraded to a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation into the game. He’s good to go.

Lions Week 13 injury report: Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocol

Detroit Lions Week 13 injury report sees linemen Frank Ragnow and Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocols.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions did not hold a practice on Monday, so yesterday’s injury report was a estimations only. Today, the Lions only slightly increased their practice level, holding a walkthrough.

With the Lions eliminating the physical aspect of the first two practices of the week, they are allowing their players to rest up and heal, but at the same time, it limits the full understanding of player’s abilities to overcome their injuries.

Keeping in mind that things could change between now and tomorrow’s report, let’s take a look at where things stand on Tuesday.

Missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Maniacal efforts or not, Stafford doesn’t look like he is going to play this week.

Melvin, Agnew, and Hall being ruled out for a practice that was only a walkthrough is not a good sign for their status on Thursday.

If Melvin is unable to play it could mean more time for Amani Oruwariye at corner, while Agnew missing time means more Ty Johnson on kick returns. Hall would normally take over on punt return duties, but if he is also out, it likely means Danny Amendola will be back on punt return duties. Additionally, Hall’s absence may mean the Lions could be looking for a fourth wide receiver and that may mean the promotion of a practice squad player like Chris Lacy or Travis Fulgham.

Limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion) — upgraded
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel is still very sore but improving according to Patricia. Most expect him to play on Thursday, including Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano:

Flowers was upgraded on the injury report but is confirmed to still be in the NFL’s concussion protocol by coach Matt Patricia at his afternoon press conference. It’s unclear which stage he is currently at, but based on this designation he may be in the final stages. His status for Thursday is still very much an unknown but a full padded practice tomorrow would go a long way.

Hand and Walker have now had two practices where they were expected to be active (but limited) participants. This is a positive step in the right direction.

Hockenson is still dealing with a shoulder injury that popped up Saturday night but he managed to play last Sunday and expectations are he will see the field again on Thursday.

Harrison and Martin have been talking rest days for some time now, this isn’t overly concerning at this time.

Practiced in full

C Frank Ragnow (concussion) — upgraded
OL Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Ragnow is also still in concussion protocol, and with no contact during today’s practice, he likely was unable to pass the last few requirements. He will have a chance to do that tomorrow, which should help him continue moving through the process.

Wiggins was an expected full participant again, meaning the Lions are optimistic he will be available to play.

Lions Week 13 estimated injury report: Jeff Driskel limited, Matthew Stafford still out

The Detroit Lions Week 13 estimated injury report includes quarterbacks Jeff Driskel as a limited participant and Matthew Stafford as out.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions are required to produce three injury reports a week, and with a Thursday game on the schedule, that means they must declare injuries on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Because they are coming off a game yesterday, they did not actually practice on Monday, so today’s injury report is only estimated listings.

Reminder: all participation levels are all estimates

Would have missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Despite Stafford being maniacal in his efforts to return to the field, he is still not ready to practice, and on a short week, he is not expected to play.

Flowers still being listed as unable to practice due to a concussion is concerning for his potential to play on Thursday. He’ll need to get on the field tomorrow or he won’t be able to pass the league’s protocol this week.

Melvin and Agnew still unable to practice are concerning for their status for Thursday.

Hall was injured in yesterday’s game and was seen in the locker room in a walking boot and with crutches. Early expectations are he won’t be available for Thursday and the Lions will be on to their third punt returner — which has previously been veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola.

Upgraded to limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel played every snap yesterday but may have overworked his hamstring in the process. Coach Matt Patricia said at today’s press conference, Driskel “ran a lot” yesterday and is a bit “tight”. This could provide some light on why the Lions were inquiring about current XFL quarterback Josh Johnson, as they could use another fully healthy quarterback for practice and as insurance.

Ragnow being an estimated limited participant speaks to him moving through the league’s concussion protocol. He still has a few more steps to move through but is headed in the right direction.

Hockenson was added to last week’s injury report late Saturday night and in yesterday’s game, he appeared to be limited on the field, both in snaps and performance.

Harrison has been nursing a groin injury for some time now but being limited isn’t unusual for him at this point in the week.

Hand and Walker being estimated as limited is an upgrade from where they have been in recent weeks. If either is able to play this week, it would be a major upgrade on defense — both in performance and schematic versatility.

Martin, since injuring his abdomen, has been limited on the first practice following a game. While this isn’t unusual, a short week could be mildly concerning.

Projected as a full participant

Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Wiggins missed seven snaps in yesterday’s game and a knee injury appears to be the cause. The Lions listing him as a full participant is a strong indicator they aren’t overly concerned about it limiting him this week.

Lions Week 12 inactives: Rashaan Melvin joins the 6 players ruled out on Friday

On Friday, the Detroit Lions ruled out six players due to injury, leaving only one player needed to be declared inactive for today’s game.

On Friday, the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) ruled out six players due to injury, leaving only one player needed to be declared inactive for today’s game. In contrast, Washington only declared Vernon Davis out on Friday — and has since placed him on injured reserve — meaning their inactives list is comprised of mostly healthy players.

Let’s take a look at who won’t be available for today’s game.

Lions Week 12 inactives

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)
CB Rashaan Melvin

Stafford was ruled out early Friday and that means Jeff Driskel will get his third start as the Lions quarterback.

Ragnow’s absence will lead to some shifting on the interior offensive line with Graham Glasgow shifting inside to center, and Kenny Wiggins starting at right guard.

Flowers won’t be replaced by just one player. Expectations are Romeo Okwara will start but we will also see Christian Jones and Jahlani Tavai setting the edge from their linebacker positions.

No Hand means Mike Daniels will need to step up, while John Atkins should also see his snaps increase.

Walker’s absence will lead to Tavon Wilson and rookie Will Harris starting, with undrafted rookie C.J. Moore or veteran special teamer Miles Killebrew stepping into the third safety role.

With Agnew unable to play, the Lions will likely turn to Marvin Hall — who was called upon to replace Agnew last week — but we could also see Danny Amendola returning punts and/or Ty Johnson on kick returns.

Melvin was a late addition to the injury report this week with a rib injury, and as is the case with most mid-week injuries, it’s impacted his chances to play this week. Justin Colman will likely see his snaps increase, as will Mike Ford and/or Amani Oruwariye.

Washington’s Week 12

Lions Week 12 injury designations: Matthew Stafford, 5 others ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions announced their injury designations ahead of their trip to Washington, ruling out six players, including Matthew Stafford, Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand, Tracy Walker, and Jamal Agnew.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) have announced their injury designations ahead of their Week 12 trip to Washington (1-9) and they will be without six players, all of which are significant weekly contributors on game day.

Let’s take a closer look at who won’t play, whose status is in question and those who will play on Sunday despite being banged up.

Ruled OUT

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Stafford was ruled out at coach Matt Patricia’s morning press conference, which shouldn’t be a surprise given it was reported his injury could last up to six weeks. Jeff Driskel will get his third start under center in Honolulu Blue.

Ragnow is still in the league’s concussion protocol and the Lions will need to shuffle the offensive line to account for his absence. Graham Glasgow will shift inside to center, while Kenny Wiggins will be promoted into the starting lineup at right guard.

Flowers is also in concussion protocol and the Lions will need to turn to a collection of players to replace him on the edge. Romeo Okowara has missed the last two weeks with an injury but is no longer listed on the injury report and will be expected to start. He won’t be expected to replace Flowers on his own as the Lions have recently turned to linebackers Christian Jones and Jahlani Tavai to assist in setting the edge.

With no Flowers or Hand in the lineup, the Lions interior pass rush will take a significant hit. Hopefully, Mike Daniels can bring the heat, because the rest of the defensive linemen have underwhelmed in creating pressure.

Walker is one of the key players in allowing Patricia to execute his multiple scheme and without him on the field, the safety group will be limited. Expect Tavon Wilson and rookie Will Harris to start, with undrafted rookie C.J. Moore (who is also injured) or Miles Killebrew in the third safety role.

Agnew loss means the Lions will need to turn to their reserves for both punt and kick return duties. Last week, speedster Marvin Hall was called upon to replace Agnew, which will likely be the case again this week, but we could also see Danny Amendola returning punts and Ty Johnson on kick returns.

Questionable

CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)

Melvin was not listed as injured on Wednesday or Thursday but popped up on the injury report with a limited practice on Friday. Mid-week injuries tend to be troublesome, so even if he is active on Sunday, he may see limited snaps.

Not listed with an injury designation

RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
S C.J. Moore (hamstring)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Wagner is not listed with an injury designation, suggesting he is either close to, or has, cleared the league’s concussion protocol. Expectations are he will start on Sunday at right tackle.

Harrison has gone through this same routine each week since injuring his groin almost a month ago and no reason to think things have changed — full practice to open the week, a rest day on Thursday, limited on Friday, and start on Sunday.

Moore was limited Wednesday and Thursday but was upgraded to a full practice on Friday. He looks good to go on Sunday.

Unless Martin suffers a setback this weekend, he is expected to play on Sunday. If he needs to be replaced, the Lions would turn to Matt Wile, who would need to be promoted from the practice squad.

Lions Week 12 injury report: Rick Wagner, Sam Martin upgraded Thursday

Updating the Detroit Lions injury report after Thursday’s practice: there was very little progress among the injured Lions players today.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are working to get healthier before they head to Washington (1-9) for Week 12.

For the majority of injured players, their status remained the same, which is not a great situation for the seven highly valuable contributors who have been unable to practice for the last two days.

Thursday’s changes

RT Rick Wagner (concussion) — upgraded to a full practice
P Sam Martin (abdomen) — upgraded to limited
Damon Harrison (groin) — No practice, rest day

Wagner is still moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol but with a full practice under his belt today, he only needs medical clearance from an independent doctor in order to be eligible to play on Sunday.

Martin continues to get limited work/rest days in hopes he will be available to play come Sunday.

Despite not being listed on yesterday’s injury report, Harrison returns to the list today for his standard rest period. Harrison has taken every Thursday off since injuring his groin in Week 7.

Still unable to practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Over the weekend, it was reported that Stafford’s injury could last up to six weeks, but he may be able to return sooner. Former Lion Herman Moore suggested the Lions should consider shutting him down for the season but on Wednesday, Stafford said he doesn’t want that and plans to return as soon as possible. After another missed practice, it doesn’t look like returning this week will be an option.

Ragnow and Flowers are currently in concussion protocol and by not being ready to practice on Thursday, their chances of playing on Sunday have been significantly reduced.

Hand, Walker, and Agnew are still unavailable to practice which is not positive news for their potential availability. On the bright side, all hope is not yet lost. Last week, Walker was able to return to practice on Friday and play in the game on Sunday, illustrating things can happen late in the week — even if it is rare.

Limited practice

C.J. Moore (hamstring)

Moore continues to put together limited practices and after not missing snaps last Sunday, he’s in a decent spot heading into tomorrow’s final practice.

Lions Week 12 injury report: Matthew Stafford plus 6 others unable to practice on Wednesday

The Detroit Lions Week 12 injury report is headlined by Matthew Stafford but another six players were also unable to practice on Wednesday including Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand, Tracy Walker, Jamal Agnew, and Nick Bawden.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are heading to Washington (1-9) for a Week 12 matchup of two underperforming and banged-up teams.

The Lions have been bitten by the injury bug once again, which is beginning to happen with an unforgiving regularity. In addition to the four players who were unable to play due to injury, another five were forced from last weekend’s game, including Frank Ragnow and Trey Flowers who suffered concussions, as well as Tracy Walker, Jamal Agnew, and Nick Bawden who all suffered lower-body injuries.

Unable to practice on Wednesday

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)
FB Nick Bawden (knee) — placed on injured reserve

Ahead of last week’s game, it was reported that Stafford’s injury could last up to six weeks, but he may be able to return sooner. “Sooner” doesn’t appear to be this week as Stafford is still only observing practices.

Ragnow and Flowers are currently in concussion protocol, so it’s not overly surprising that they were unable to practice today. Brain injuries are unique but we will likely learn more about their health after their practice report status on Thursday.

Hand still not being able to practice is concerning.

Walker surprising returned to the field last Sunday but only lasted 23 snaps before being injured again and leaving the field. Agnew was also forced from last week’s game with injuries and we likely won’t know much more about their availability until tomorrow.

With punter Matt Wile on the practice squad, it looks like the Lions will be giving Martin some rest days to get fully healthy. Martin has yet to miss any game action this season.

We found out after practice that not only was Bawden not at practice but he was being placed on injured reserve — his season is cut short once again.

Limited practice

RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
C.J. Moore (hamstring)

Wagner is still moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol and a return to practice today is a big step in the right direction. He still needs to have a full practice and then be cleared by an independent doctor but he is getting closer to returning to game action.

Moore didn’t leave last week’s game with an injury, so this injury must have popped up after the game sometime. Limited at this point is good news but we will know more as the week progresses.

No longer listed on the injury report

DE Romeo Okwara (groin)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
NT John Atkins (wrist)
CB Darius Slay (neck)
S Will Harris (quad)

Most of the players listed here being removed from the injury report isn’t overly surprising, with one glaring exception — Romeo Okwara.

Okwara was limited for most of last week but was unable to play in the game over the weekend, so not being listed here suggests either a miraculous recovery or that the team was exercising a lot of caution last Sunday.

Lions week 11 snap counts: Bo Scarbrough leads the way in the backfield

Detroit Lions Week 11 snap counts observations include Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield and Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense.

When examining the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) snap counts from Week 11, a few key things stood out, including Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield, tight end shifts, Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense and the reduction if three safety sets.

That and more takeaways from this week’s snap counts below:

Jeff Driskel stays strong

Jeff Driskel — 65, 100-percent

Driskel took a few hard shots in this game but was able to overcome them to play every snap.

Lions interior OL leans on four players

LT Taylor Decker — 65, 100-percent
LG Joe Dahl — 62, 95-percent
C Frank Ragnow — 56, 86-percent
RG Graham Glasgow — 62, 95-percent
RT Tyrell Crosby — 65, 100-percent
OG Kenny Wiggins — 20, 31-percent

Crosby replaced Wagner in the starting lineup and he, along with fellow offensive tackle Decker, was able to play every snap.

On the interior, it was a much different story. The rotation at guard continued, and like in previous weeks, it took an injury for it to stop — this time to Frank Ragnow, who is currently being evaluated for a concussion.

After Ragnow left the game, Glasgow shifted to center and Wiggins was promoted to right guard. Wiggins also took five snaps as a sixth offensive lineman.

Scarbrough leads the backfield

Bo Scarbrough — 32, 49-percent
Ty Johnson — 19, 29-percent
J.D. McKissic — 15, 23-percent
Nick Bawden — 2, 3-percent

Not only did Scarbrough start but he led the way in snaps out of the backfield. McKissic was the second option but was briefly sidelined in the second half. Johnson saw over a quarter of snaps, but you wouldn’t know it by the box score as he only received three touches. Bawden left the game early with a knee injury.

More of the same from the WRs

Kenny Golladay — 60, 92-percent
Marvin Jones Jr. — 57, 88-percent
Danny Amendola –36, 55-percent
Marvin Hall — 14, 22-percent

More of the same from the receiver group, these numbers match a recent trend as of late.

Hockenson’s snaps rise as James’ fall

T.J. Hockenson — 48, 74-percent
Logan Thomas — 22, 34-percent
Jesse James — 15, 23-percent

Hockenson broke the 70-percent mark for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. James’ decline continues and he saw his lowest snap count of the season. This is the fifth week in a row where James has seen 36-percent or fewer snaps.

Interior DL snaps increase with focus on the run

A’Shawn Robinson — 55, 74-percent
Damon Harrison — 49, 66-percent
John Atkins — 36, 49-percent
Mike Daniels — 29, 39-percent

With the team focused on stopping the run, the Lions went with a heavy rotation of interior defensive lineman. Both Robinson and Harrison saw their highest snaps count percentages of the season, while Atkins and Daniels saw their second-most.

EDGE rushers see higher snaps with Okwara out

Devon Kennard — 60, 81-percent
Trey Flowers — 55, 74-percent

Flowers was well on his way to leading the way in this group before he was forced to leave the game with a potential concussion. Both players had solid games.

Davis’ snap counts rebound, production stays high

Jarrad Davis — 67, 91-percent
Christian Jones — 53, 72-percent
Jahlani Tavai — 46, 62-percent
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 5, 7-percent

Davis put together back-to-back impressive games, especially against the run. Reeves-Maybin saw the field on defense for the first time in a month, taking a coverage role in NASCAR sets during obvious passing situations.

Oruwariye sees first NFL snaps on defense

Darius Slay — 73, 99-percent
Rashaan Melvin — 72, 97-percent
Justin Coleman — 51, 69-percent
Amani Oruwariye — 9, 12-percent
Mike Ford — 5, 7-percent

Ford has steadily been entrenched as the Lions fourth cornerback all season but appeared to be replaced by the rookie Oruwariye in the second half. Oruwariye looked sharp in limited snaps and his performance could be enough to earn him more snaps moving forward.

3 safety sets leave with Walker

Tavon Wilson — 67, 91-percent
Will Harris — 59, 80-percent
Tracy Walker — 23, 31-percent

After three weeks of being unable to play due to injury, Walker was a surprise return to action on Sunday. Unfortunately, that surprise return was short-lived as Walker was forced from the game with a knee injury.

Harris started the game in a third safety role with Walker’s return, but after his exit, Harris was forced back in the starting lineup. Depending on Walker’s status moving forward, Harris may be starting for the foreseeable future.

Special teams

Miles Killebrew — 28
Dee Virgin — 27
Steve Longa — 23
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 23
Logan Thomas — 23
C.J. Moore — 22
Mike Ford — 19
Christian Jones — 13
Jamal Agnew — 12
Jesse James — 11
Jahlani Tavai — 11
Nick Bawden — 11
Will Harris — 8
Amani Oruwariye — 8
Tavon  Wilson — 8
Marvin Hall — 7
Jarrad Davis — 6
Justin Coleman — 5

Highlights, player tracking of Cowboys biggest Week 11 plays

Dissecting the biggest plays in the Dallas Cowboys’ 35-27 victory against the Detroit Lions using EPA and Win Probability metrics.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys picked up a much needed victory as they beat the Detroit Lions 35-27 in a close game. The Cowboys dominated on the offensive side of the ball while their defense continued to struggle, this time against a Lions team led by backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The team’s defense has been a let down despite some stellar play from the defensive line. That being the case, the burden is on Dak Prescott to lead the offense in high scoring games, and on Sunday he once again proved more than capable.

It was an explosive game for both passing offenses as each team’s pass defense was lackluster.

Here are the biggest plays of the game in terms of Expected Points Added (EPA) and Win Probability (WP) with data via nflscrapR. EPA measure the value of a play based on down, distance to first downs, field position and time remaining in the game.

Make sure to check out the multiple views of the player tracking data for unique insight into how the plays unfolded.

The Plays

No. 1: Ezekiel Elliott up the middle for 2 yards, FUMBLE

EPA: -4.2. DAL WP Shift: 48% -> 39%

Another game, another turnover on the Cowboys’ opening drive. The team has been known for their slow starts in 2019 and turnovers have been one of the biggest culprits. On the first rush of the game Elliott fumbled after being gang tackled by a pair of Lions. It was edge rusher Trey Flowers that forced the ball out with a recovery from linebacker Jarrad Davis.

The turnover proved to be a costly one as the Lions were able to turn it into their first score of the game. It was a seamless opening drive for the Lions who would start at their opponents’ 28-yard line. After a short drive, running back Bo Scarbrough scored on a 5-yard rush up the middle.

No. 2: Dak Prescott sacked by Devon Kennard for a loss of 10 yards

EPA: -2.4. DAL WP Shift: 42% -> 34%

The Cowboys’ third drive of the game looked to be a promising one. Beginning at their own 14-yard line, they would slowly inch their way into a scoring opportunity. The drive spanned 14 plays, 79 yards gained and five first downs. Eventually the Cowboys found themselves at the Lions’ 2-yard line on a goal-to-go situation. On third down it was Lions edge rusher Devon Kennard that would generate the sack on a well-timed blitz call for a loss of 10 yards.

After the sack the Cowboys would have to settle for a 30-yard field goal try from Brett Maher putting the score at 7-3 late in the first quarter.

No. 3: Prescott pass short middle to Tony Pollard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN

EPA: 3.5. DAL WP Shift: 44% -> 55%

Trailing by four points to start the second quarter the Cowboys would get their first touchdown of the game in style. Much like in their previous possession, their fourth drive would also be a long one. This drive covered 7 plays, 70 yards gained and three first downs. Their success was rewarded when Prescott connected with Pollard on a 21-yard reception for the score. Pollard flashed his explosive potential by forcing a missed tackle in route to his first career receiving touchdown.

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Lions postgame injury report: Trey Flowers and Frank Ragnow evaluated for concussions

Two more critical starters went down with injuries in the loss to Dallas

Already starting a backup quarterback and a running back promoted from the practice squad due to a rash of injuries across the roster, the Detroit Lions had more injury woes after the team’s 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Starting defensive end Trey Flowers and starting center Frank Ragnow are both being evaluated for concussions following the game in Ford Field. Coach Matt Patricia mentioned them specifically in his postgame press conference. Both players departed the game in the second half.

Right tackle Rick Wagner missed this game with a concussion of his own. If Ragnow winds up being sidelined for any amount of time, the meager depth on the offensive line will be severely tested.