A huge NFC North divisional battle between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers looms, and we now have a clear picture of who, exactly, will be taking part in the game.
Of course, most notably, the Lions are getting back two key starters for this game: Brian Branch and Cade Mays. Mays has been out since the start of this season, but Branch has been out since the tail end of last season. It's a welcomed return for both, who are sure to help out the Lions on both sides of the ball.
For the Packers, injuries continue to mount, and two key inactives for them this afternoon include linebacker Zaire Franklin, and former Lions guard Kevin Zeitler.
Zeitler out for potential reunion with Lions (on the field) in Week 7
Zeitler signed with the Packers after they suffered numerous injuries to their offensive line - Jager Burton and Donovan Jennings, specifically. They've struggled to get their O-line going, and have been one of the worst pass blocking units in the NFL since the start to the season. It's led to some pretty big responsibility on the shoulders of Jordan Love, who has had to bomb the field left and right with just seconds to pass.
READ MORE: 4 matchups that will decide Lions vs. Packers
Zeitler is coming off a solid season with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, where he posted a 74.5 PFF grade overall. He was probably one of their lone bright spots on offense last year, but they let him walk. He still has something in the tank, and could've been a potential Lions target this offseason as their O-line was also looking questionable headed in 2026. Obviously, that's no longer the case.
Lions' Ahmed Hassanein still inactive
One surprise that continues to pop up on the Lions' inactive list is Ahmed Hassanein. The second-year edge rusher has yet to be active for a game this season, despite some less than stellar play from Levi Onwuzurike in limited snaps. If he's given any opportunity to take over snaps from another defender, that would be the player to keep an eye on.
It comes on the heels of Hassanein making a bit of a cryptic Instagram post this week. Obviously, you can't read those tea leaves as hard as you may try, but Hassanein deserves some looks sooner rather than later. If anything, to give their very productive pass rush some fresh legs.
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