Detroit Lions downgrade guard Jonah Jackson, promote two from practice squad

Ahead of Sunday’s game agains the Commanders, the Detroit Lions have downgraded guard Jonah Jackson and promoted two players from the practice squad.

On Friday’s injury report, after suffering a finger injury during the week, Detroit Lions left guard Jonah Jackson was listed as questionable. On Saturday, he was downgraded to doubtful, while linebacker Anthony Pittman and offensive tackle Dan Skipper were promoted from the practice squad.

With right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (back) on IR and center Frank Ragnow (foot/groin) declared out, the Lions will all but surely be down three-fifths of their starting offensive line, across all three interior spots, Sunday against the Commanders. Not a great development, with Washington defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the slate.

However, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Commanders added Allen to their injury report on Saturday, listing him questionable with a groin injury.

How will the Detroit Lions replace Jonah Jackson?

Replacing Ragnow against Washington, as he did for 13 games pretty capably last season, will be Evan Brown. Logan Stenberg will probably start again at right guard in Vaitai’s place on Sunday, though he could shift over to the left side.

To fill the other guard spot the Lions have Drew Forbes and Kayode Awosika, who have been with the team less than two weeks and a few days respectively. So Forbes would be the most likely of the two to start.

Unless Penei Sewell is kicked in to right guard, as was toyed with in practice before Week 1, Stenberg goes to left guard and Matt Nelson steps in at right tackle for Sewell.

No combination is particularly appealing down three starters, and moving Sewell off right tackle is unlikely–it’s just an option.

Skipper gives the Lions an extra possible body for the offensive line, that’s all, in line with the downgrade to Jackson’s status.

Pittman was promoted from the practice squad last week, and played special teams. This will be the second of three free practice squad elevations before the Lions have to sign him to the 53-man roster if they want to play him.