The Detroit Lions' final inactive report was just released, and Roger McCreary's name is nowhere to be found.
That's great news for the Lions, who have seen some success in recent weeks with McCreary as their main nickel back. The journeyman has racked up seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, and 22 total tackles in six games so far with Detroit. Without him, the Lions would likely need to start rookie Keith Abney II in his place, which would be a bummer considering how great he's looked in spurts at safety.
In addition to McCreary being available, the Lions also have Ennis Rakestraw Jr. ready to go in this one. He was nursing an ankle injury this week in practice, but is active for today's critical matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Lions' secondary must come to dominate vs. Vikings in Week 8
If there's going to be one secure path to victory over the 6-0 Vikings in this game, it comes from the Lions' secondary. Minnesota's passing game is one of the worst in the NFL, despite their undefeated record, and Kyler Murray is turnover-prone if Detroit manages to both get pressure on him and contain him on the ground.
If their secondary can force pass breakups and potentially a turnover, as they did in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers, it gives the Lions' offense some breathing room against the best defense in the NFL. If they're unable to hold up their end of the defensive bargain in this one, Detroit could be in for a slog.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Sione Vaki snap counts will be worth a watch
Gibbs, who had sat out of practice for one day this week with a shoulder injury, is good to go in this game. It'll be interesting to see how the team manages his snap count, as the Vikings have done an excellent job in recent years of containing the superstar running back:
Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Minnesota last season:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 30, 2026
2 games
26 carries, 66 yards (2.5 YPC)
5 catches, 28 yards
In pass protection on 47% and 48% of passing snaps
The Vikings allow the fewest receiving points to RBs in the NFL
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Adding Vaki to the mix in this game, and early, will be key to giving Gibbs some opportunities on the ground. Vaki's a better pass-blocker than Gibbs at this point in time, and adding him into the mix around Jared Goff will help to keep Gibbs' legs fresh against such a tough defense.
Additionally, the Lions held Vaki out for almost the entire game in Week 7 against the Packers, which might've been strategic - Detroit knows they'll need him as fresh as possible for this game to be a physical blocker, and a physical runner.
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