Lions lose Trey Flowers, possibly Kenny Golladay for critical stretch

The Detroit Lions send one star player to Injured Reserve. Will another join him?

The Detroit Lions lost more than a game following their 41-21 defeat at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. They potentially lost two key players whose absence could sink their season during a critical time for their upcoming schedule.

On Monday, it was reported that the Lions are sending defensive end Trey Flowers to Injured Reserve (IR). According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, the team believes this is a short-term stint on IR. But the move means the Lions will be without their star defender for the next three weeks, at least.

The absence of Flowers will open the door for the newly-acquired defensive end, Everson Griffen. The longtime Minnesota Vikings’ pass rusher was traded to Detroit just last week after a short stint with the Dallas Cowboys.

But Flowers may not be the only player landing on IR following the Lions’ loss to the Colts. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay suffered a hip injury during the game as well. But according to head coach Matt Patricia, Golladay is considered “day-to-day, week-to-week“. That according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.

At this point, it appears there’s still a possibility Golladay will be able to play against the Minnesota Vikings in Week Nine. And his presence would certainly help the Lions in a critical stretch of their schedule.

Over their next three games, Detroit’s opponents have amassed a total of just seven wins combined. Those pivotal matchups include an away game against the 2-5 Vikings, a home contest at Ford Field versus the 2-5 Washington Football Team, and then back on the road to face the 3-5 Carolina Panthers.

It’s a winnable three-game stretch for the Detroit Lions that they’ll be without their top defender in Trey Flowers. And potentially their top wide receiver in Kenny Golladay. The latter’s status on the injury report will certainly be something to watch very closely this week.