Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 16 injury designations, as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings.
The Detroit Lions (10-4) and Minnesota Vikings (7-7) have declared their inactive ahead of their Week 16 matchup—the first of two meetings in the next three weeks. The Lions will be down two of their regular contributors—potentially a third—and will not be returning any of their players from injured reserve, but all their starters are healthy and ready to go.
NOTE: Any changes from yesterday’s injury report will be bolded.
Ruled OUT
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 19
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 19
Wright and Jacobs were unable to practice this week and will miss this weekend’s game. Depending on the severity of the injuries, both could be considered candidates for injured reserve if they will miss significant time.
Wright is expected to be replaced by James Mitchell, while Jacobs could see his depth role replaced by another depth defensive back who has been a healthy scratch, such as Chase Lucas or Steven Gilmore.
Gardner-Johnson and Cabinda will not be active from injured reserve this week—as coach Dan Campbell alluded to earlier in the day —and will have two more weeks’ worth of practices to return.
“Yeah, he’s looked good,” Campbell said of Gardner-Johnson. “He looks fresh, obviously, moving around pretty good. So, it’s really just about — we just need to get him some more practices just to make sure he’s ready to go, he’s comfortable and we don’t just throw him out there to the wolves, so. I mean, I don’t necessarily see him going this week, but he’s good, he’s doing good.”
It’s worth noting that they are eligible to return at any time during these two weeks if healthy.
Doubtful
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
Barnes was injured during last week’s game against the Broncos and while he was able to return to the game, he has been a limited participant all week in practices. With the team traveling, and a doubtful designation, we will likely find out Barnes’ status on Saturday afternoon.
If he can’t go, it’ll surely mean more time for first-round pick Jack Campbell, as well as Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Not listed with an injury designation
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest)
- DT Levi Onwuzurike (knee)
The Lions will have their starting offensive line together for the second consecutive week, and with the Vikings’ creative defense, they figure to play a critical role .
Vikings injury designations
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ injury designations (starters bolded):
Ruled OUT
- WR Jalen Nailor (concussion)
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring)
Questionable
- RB Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- RT Brian O’Neill (ankle)
- DL Jonathan Bullard (ankle)
- LB Ivan Pace (shoulder) — added to the injury report on Friday
- LB Jordan Hicks (shin – still technically on IR)
- DT Harrison Phillips (back)
Not listed with an injury designation
- DT Sheldon Day (ankle)
- EDGE Danielle Hunter (illness)