The Detroit Lions will hit the road in Week 6 to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In recognition of the game being a battle of first-place teams, the NFL moved the game to a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday afternoon about as soon as it could have. Even if it's not FOX's "Game of the Week", it safe to say a good bit more of the country will see the game than originally would have a couple weeks ago. The Buccaneers will be wearing their throwback creamsicle uniforms, to add a little cache' to the game.
The injury report for the Lions has been lengthy at times this season, and this week is no different. Defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) and running back Jahmyr Gibbs (ankle) will both miss their second straight game this week. Neither seemed close to suiting up this week.
Left guard Jonah Jackson was seen leaving the locker room last Sunday in a walking boot, and he will also miss Sunday's game. The Lions continue to struggle having all five of their starting offensive lineman together.
Tight end Sam LaPorta popped up on Thursday's practice report with a calf issue, but he said he plans to play against the Buccaneers.
The Lions started the 21-day window for defensive lineman Josh Paschal to be put on the active roster on Friday. He was listed as out for Sunday on Friday's injury report, despite not technically being on the 53-man roster, so his return will wait until Week 7.
Detroit Lions inactives: Week 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Here's a look at Sunday's inactive players for the Lions. No surprises. Tight end Sam LaPorta (calf) is active, backing up the general sentiment and Sunday morning's reports.
Lions inactives
- DB Brian Branch
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- OG Jonah Jackson
- DT Brodric Martin
- CB Steven Gilmore
- TE James Mitchell
And here are the inactives for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is basically at full strength.
Buccaneers Inactives
- OLB Anthony Nelson
- DL Patrick O'Connor
- CB Derrek Pitts
- OT Brandon Walton
- TE David Wells