For the Detroit Lions, who are mathematically >99% in the playoffs, the ratio of playing to resting players is rightfully shifting toward the side that improves playoff performance.
With an 8-1 record, the Lions have earned the opportunity to rest minor play-related injuries and utilize selective load management. This strategy may have been a factor Decision to retire Taylor Decker last week and Sam LaPorta this week. There's still the extremely valuable No. 1 seed up for grabs, so keeping the foot on the regular season gas will be beneficial heading into the playoffs.
The Jaguars are on the other side of the mathematical spectrum and have a <1% chance of making the playoffs. But they could end up with the same answers as the Lions to the play vs. rest question.
While the Lions are focused on the 2025 playoffs, the Jaguars are focused on the 2026 playoffs. Key long-term players like Trevor Lawrence, who is considering season-ending ACL surgery, may decide to sacrifice the present for a better future.
During the week, the Lions suffered a new minor injury to Carlton Davis, who broke his thumb, and an improvement to Taylor Decker's shoulder. Overall, the Lions' active roster is in good health.
The Jaguars have several offensively strong players dealing with injuries, including #1 QB, #1 RB and #1-3 WRs. The team's injury report is extensive and has many limited practices, but most players will be there.
DETROIT LIONS
Carlton Davis CB (Hand UL LP FP – In)
Davis said he broke his thumb in practice but will play through it with a cast. There's no concern here, but a repeat 2-interception performance will present more of a challenge.
Ben Niemann LB (ankle UL UL NP – questionable)
Niemann probably injured his ankle during training. An NP on Friday means he will likely be out on Sunday. Last game, he played 19% of the defensive snaps, which ranked 4th among linebackers.
Sam LaPorta TE (Shoulder NP NP NP – Out)
LaPorta suffered a left AC joint sprain last game that Dan Campbell described as “common.” Giving him a break is a good idea not only for the AC joint, but also in case there is any leftover residue from his previous injuries this year:
• Thigh muscles (preseason)
• Right lower ankle sprain (week 3)
• possible hyperextension of the right knee (week 7)
Taylor Decker OT (Shoulder LP FP FP – In)
Decker suffered a rotator cuff strain in practice last week and missed the last game. The good news is that it is minor and he will play on Sunday.
Malcolm Rodriguez LB (Ankle LP FP FP – In)
After missing two games with a left ankle sprain, Rodriguez is ready to go.
Brodric Martin DT (Knee FP FP FP – Out)
After hyperextending his right knee in pre-season, Martin's 21-day training window opened on October 30th. He is expected to be added to the active roster next week through November 20th.
Ifeatu Melifonwu S (Ankle/Finger FP LP NP – Out)
The downgrade is a cause for concern. Hopefully it's just related to the finger injury and not an aggravation of suspected Achilles tendonitis. Defensive backs can play through finger dislocations or fractures (see Carlton Davis), so the finger shouldn't have an impact on his timeline.
Melifonwu's practice window opened on Nov. 6, meaning he should be on the active roster by Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving.
Emmanuel Moseley CB (pec FP FP FP – Out)
Moseley recovered from his torn pectoral muscle in August and his 21-day training window opened on November 6th. Like Melifonwu, Moseley was expected to join the active roster before Thanksgiving.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Trevor Lawrence QB (Shoulder NP NP NP – Out)
A left non-throwing AC joint sprain will sideline the Jaguars' starting quarterback for a second straight game. He may even decide to end the season and have ACL surgery. Mac Jones, who was 14/22 for 111 yards in a 12-7 loss to the Vikings last week, will be back in the starting lineup.
Tank Bigsby RB (Ankle NP NP NP – Out)
The Jaguars' No. 1 RB with 519 yards has been dealing with an ankle problem for two to three weeks that worsened in the last game. Expect Travis Etienne, who has 298 yards, to get the bulk of the runs.
Maason Smith DT (Ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)
This second-round rookie has missed the last four games.
Keilan Robinson RB (Toe FP FP FP – questionable)
With 3x FP, this 5th round rookie should be available, but he has yet to play this year.
Ezra Cleveland LG (Ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)
This starting LG has missed the last two games but may be ready to return this Sunday.
Brian Thomas WR (Chest LP LP LP – In)
The Jaguars #1 WR with 607 yards injured his ribs two weeks ago but has played through. However, he only had two catches for 12 yards in the last game.
Gabe Davis WR (Shoulder LP LP LP – In)
Davis injured his shoulder three weeks ago but returned to the game last week with a catch for 19 yards. He is the team's fourth-leading receiver with 236 yards on the year.
Josh Hines-Allen DE (Shoulder LP LP LP – In)
This star pass rusher has five sacks per year.
Blake Hance OL (Knee LP LP LP – In)
Hance started LG's last game and could start again if Ezra Cleveland is unable to play.
Brandon Scherff RG (Knee LP LP LP – In)
This starting RG hasn't missed a game this year.
D'Ernest Johnson RB (Thigh LP LP LP – In)
Johnson is third on the team with 114 rushing yards this year.
Tyson Campbell CB (Shoulder LP LP LP – In)
Campbell missed a few games earlier this year with a hamstring injury, but has started the last four games.
Daniel Thomas S (Thigh LP LP LP – In)
This backup has not played a defensive snap in the last four games.
NOTEWORTHY
Christian Kirkthe Jaguars' second-best WR, was placed on IR two weeks ago with a broken collarbone.
