NFL insider Josina Anderson updates the injury status of Detroit Lions starting CB Cameron Sutton.
The Detroit Lions (11-4) are in Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) on Saturday night in a game that has the potential to turn into a shootout, especially if the Lions’ secondary is without starting cornerback Cameron Sutton.
Sutton practiced Tuesday and Wednesday in full but was absent from Thursday’s practice and was given a questionable designation on the injury report . Sutton’s absence was due to a toe injury that, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson , may result in him being “a true game-time decision” for this game.
I’m told the #Lions still don’t know if CB Cam Sutton (toe) will play tonight vs the #Cowboys . Sutton remains questionable & a true game-time decision. The plan is to work Sutton out in pregame warmups for a final determination.
The Cowboys have won 15 consecutive games at home. pic.twitter.com/0i1Y28iYgh
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 30, 2023
Sutton figures to be a key catalyst in defending the Cowboys’ potent passing attack, which—as pointed out by Jeremy Reisman in his On Paper preview of this game —is easily Dallas’ biggest potential advantage in this matchup.
The Lions have recently been shuffling around their secondary, and while the results have been positive, the one constant has been Sutton. If he is unable to play, the Lions will likely turn to Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor, Will Harris, and recently benched Jerry Jacobs to split starter snaps.
On a positive note, the Lions recently made a flurry of roster moves—including waiving corner Chase Lucas —but have not added any corner depth, which figures to be something the Lions would do if they knew that Sutton was not going to be available.
The Lions are expected to announce any game-day roster elevations around 4 p.m. on Saturday, but with only Craig James—one career start, in 2019—on the practice squad at corner, the Lions will likely end up leaning on the personnel currently on the roster.
If the decision on Sutton does come down to the final moments, it’s worth noting that game inactives will be announced at approximately 6:48 p.m. ET, so check back with us at Pride of Detroit for updates.