It seemed possible weeks ago, and now it's here. The Detroit Lions will welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Ford Field on Sunday night, and it's all on the line. The winner wins the NFC North, along with the No. 1 seed and homefield advantage in the playoffs.
Being the No. 1 seed is an obvious advantage, especially over having to play and go on the road ion the Wild Card Round.
The injury news for the Lions has been good lately. After wide receiver Kalif Raymond started his window to be activated from IR last week, linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) did the same this week. On Saturday, both were activated from IR and are in line to play on Sunday night.
In Anzalone's case there certainly a risk/reward equation to consider coming off a broken forearm, with playoff games coming. But the latest news on Sunday morning said he will play against the Vikings-albeit with his snaps monitored.
Raymond has practiced fully in each of the last two weeks, so if he isn't active Sunday night it will be a huge surprise. He could be an x-factor in his role as the punt returner and a viable piece offensively.
After he was listed as out due to an illness on Friday, the Lions placed cornerback Emmanuel Moseley on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list on Saturday. His season is likely over, along with his severely injury-truncated Lions' career.
Otherwise, the Lions listed running back Craig Reynolds as questionable after he popped on the injury report with a back injury. As has been noted elsewhere, that the Lions didn't elevate Jermar Jefferson from the practice squad on Saturday seems like a good sign Reynolds will play on Sunday night.
Running back David Montgomery, as he rehabs the MCL injury in his right knee rather than undergo surgery, has been ruled out for a third straight game.
Detroit Lions inactives: Week 18 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Here are the Week 18 inactives for the Lions.
- RB David Montgomery
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (emergency No. 3 quarterback)
- OL Gioanni Manu
- OG Kayode Awosika
- OL Colby Sorsdal
- DL Jonah Williams
- DT Brodric Martin
And here are the Week 18 inactives for the Vikings. Jones was ruled out on Friday.
- OLB Patrick Jones
- CB Fabian Moreau
- QB Brett Rypien
- LB Calvin Munson
- DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
- C Dan Feeney
- OT Walter Rouse