Thankfully, the Detroit Lions have not seen the rash of injuries play out thus far in 2026 that they did last year, but there are a few cases that have presented them challenges on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, the Lions have seen most of their issues play out on the back end, but their defensive line has a new issue to worry about heading into Week 4. Tyliek Williams, who has been a solid space eater, has been on the injury report with a foot ailment.
While it looks like Williams might be alright to play, the Lions also may not want to risk a worse injury to one of their most important defensive pieces. That opens the door for rookie Sykler Gill-Howard to step in and perhaps take snaps along the defensive line. During training camp and the preseason, Gill-Howard was dominant, but hasn't played a huge role thus far during the season.
Detroit's defensive line has seen their established players play a starring role up front like Williams and Alim McNeill. That's been a great development, but in order to feel good moving forward, the depth of this group will have to ease their way into action as well. It's a long season, and the Lions need to see some of their other players step in.
Making sure Williams is managed will be a key for the Lions, especially going into the bye week. The Lions have a great opportunity to turn Gill-Howard loose and see what he can do on defense during the regular season. When he has played, he's played pretty well. Giving him a bigger role would be an interesting way to shake things up on defense.
At this point, the Lions need to try anything on that side of the ball to mix things up. Seeing more Gill-Howard could be a great development for Detroit against the Arizona Cardinals.
Gill-Howard has been an offensive star early this year for the Lions
Even though Gill-Howard hasn't factored in prominently on the defensive side, he has perhaps shockingly factored in on offense. The Lions have found a way to use him as a lead blocker in the red zone in heavy packages, and he has thrown his weight around effectively around the goal line.
Jared Goff witnessed what Gill-Howard was able to do as a blocker in Week 3 against the New York Jets, and came away impressed. He liked the idea to send Gill-Howard in, and saw where he was able to play his role just as he was asked to do.
"(His blocking) was good. He did a good job. He knows his job on that play. Blow up that edge player and he did a good job (getting it done)."
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Even if Gill-Howard doesn't see a lot of snaps on defense, he could still figure in offensively. If the Lions need to hit pay dirt in the red zone, they could send him in as a blocker and get more results like they have in previous weeks.
Add it up and it seems as if the Lions needs to unleash Gill-Howard more this week. Whether he sees snaps on offense or defense, it will help getting him involved for the overall depth of the team.
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