The Detroit Lions are about to square off with the New York Giants in Week 12, and they have a major streak on the line. They haven't lost back-to-back games since 2022, and that's something they're looking to maintain against the 2-9 Giants.
The Lions also have to win today to remain in the playoff race, and in the conversation to win the NFC North. A win today could help carry Detroit into Thanksgiving with major momentum against the Green Bay Packers in their quest to win the division.
Injury woes have begun to hit the Lions, though, with Sam LaPorta out for the year due to a back surgery and Terrion Arnold once again managing a concussion.
Arnold is out for today's game against New York, but D.J. Reed is finally back to save the day for the Lions' defense in Arnold's absence.
Lions inactives for Week 12 vs. Giants
Here are the Lions' inactives for Week 12 against the Giants, per the Lions:
Player | Injury |
|---|---|
Terrion Arnold | Concussion |
Kerby Joseph | Knee |
Quinton Jefferson | N/A |
Craig Reynolds | N/A |
Nick Whiteside | N/A |
Mekhi Wingo | N/A |
Aside from Reed, the Lions are likely to get back Marcus Davenport soon, adding to their depth at their pass rush. Malcolm Rodriguez, who was activated at the same time as Reed, will be making his 2025 season debut against the Giants. This helps the Lions' special teams unit tremendously. In addition to Rodriguez, they also have Khalil Dorsey back to help out with that unit.
As for the Giants, they're inactive list is just as lengthy:
GIANTS INACTIVES
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) November 23, 2025
▪️OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
▪️QB Jaxson Dart
▪️CB Paulson Adebo
▪️S Tyler Nubin
▪️CB Deonte Banks
▪️OT James Hudson III
LIONS INACTIVES
▪️CB Terrion Arnold
▪️RB Craig Reynolds
▪️S Kerby Joseph
▪️CB Nick Whiteside
▪️DT Quinton Jefferson
▪️DT Mekhi Wingo pic.twitter.com/qPi9wPwDQk
No Kayvon Thibodeaux releases some pressure from the Lions' offensive line, while Jaxson Dart remains out in this game with a concussion. Detroit just has to deal with Jameis Winston's unpredictability, which should help Reed settle in a bit in the secondary ahead of Thanksgiving.
READ MORE: Sam LaPorta's absence clears the runway for someone Lions fans want to see play
New York has nothing to play for at this juncture, with the Philadelphia Eagles, statistically locking up the NFC East by this point in the year. For Detroit, this is a must-win. The Giants, while 2-9, are also not entirely hopeless. They have a solid defense led by Brian Burns, which could put some pressure on the Lions' O-line. That was their biggest issue from their contest against the Eagles.
Detroit also did a great job of containing Philadelphia's run game last week, which will be key against a shifty Winston and their other healthy running back, Tyrone Tracy Jr.