Heading into a big game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, here’s the final Week 14 injury report for the Detroit Lions.
Somehow, the 5-7 Detroit Lions are narrowly favored by the sportsbooks over the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings this week. Head coach Dan Campbell had a response along the expected lines when it came up during his Friday press conference.
"I really don’t even know how to respond to that. I’m shocked by that,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said in his Friday press conference. “But, there again, all those things don’t matter. Point spread, who’s favored — this team finds ways to win. And if we’re not ready to go and we don’t handle our business…"
The Vikings can clinch the NFC North with a win or a tie on Sunday, while also dealing a substantial blow to the Lions’ playoff chances.
Here is the Friday’s injury report for the Lions, with statuses for the game.
Detroit Lions Week 14 injury report
Out
- OG Kayode Awosika (ankle)
- LB Derrick Barnes (knee)
- CB Chase Lucas (hamstring)
Doubtful
- OG/C Evan Brown (ankle)
Questionable
- CB Will Harris (hip)
- CB Jeff Okudah (illness)
- WR Kalif Raymond (illness)
- QB Nate Sudfeld (illness)
No designation
- RB Jamaal Williams (hand)
- RB D’Andre Swift (ankle)
- C Frank Ragnow (foot)
- OT Taylor Decker (elbow)
- S DeShon Elliott (ankle)
With Awosika out and Brown doubtful, the Lions will be left to turn to either Dan Skipper or Logan Stenberg at right guard on Sunday. Dan Campbell did offer swing tackle Matt Nelson as another option during his Friday press conference.
"Well, I don’t want to say who that is, but we’ve got about three options, and so we’re ready,” Campbell continued. “I mean we feel good with what we’ve got.”"
With Barnes out, rookie Malcolm Rodriguez is in line for a big role as his previous elbow injury seems to be in the rearview.
Cornerback depth could be a problem for the Lions on Sunday. Not that Harris has been good as the primary slot corner lately (he hasn’t been), but the rookie Lucas would be another option and he’s out for Sunday. AJ Parker may be called up from the practice squad for depth, with either Mike Hughes or Jerry Jacobs (or both) possibly moving inside at times on Sunday if Harris is out.
Speaking of the practice squad, if Sudfeld is unable to suit up as the No. 2 quarterback recent signing Josh Dobbs would be elevated from the practice squad to take his place.
#MINvsDET injury report
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 9, 2022
OUT: Jonathan Bullard
QUESTIONABLE: Garrett Bradbury, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith
On the Vikings side, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (biceps) is out. Center Garrett Bradbury (neck), left tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion) and safety Harrison Smith (neck) are questionable. Fullback C.J. Ham (illness), outside linebacker Danielle Hunter (illness), cornerback Patrick Peterson (illness), linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder) and safety Theo Jackson (illness) did not receive designations and are expected to be available.