The second (and not necessarily last) meeting between the Lions and Packers is a tremendous game, not only for first place in the division, but also for the extremely valuable first place in the NFC.
The NY Times Playoff Simulator estimates the Lions' chances of earning the No. 1 seed at 84% with a win versus 40% with a loss. That's a huge spread.
Defensive health is an issue for the Lions as they will be missing five defensemen from last game: Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez (IR) and Mekhi Wingo (IR). The good news is that they get Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley back.
On offense, the Lions' starters are intact, with the exception of Taylor Decker, who will miss a second straight game. Dan Skipper plans to start again at LT.
The Packers will be missing a few key players in Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs. On the bright side, Jordan Love will be healthier than he was in the first meeting when he suffered a groin injury.
DETROIT LIONS
Out – Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP NP NP)
A suspected right MCL and right upper or middle ankle sprain 10 days ago will rule Decker for a second straight game. He could be back for the next game, which is 11 days away.
Taylor Decker R Knee/Ankle Injury Video
-A slight outward rotation of the R ankle can result in a severe ankle sprain
-Probably mild MCL sprain
-Back to the game
– Not long-term, but might miss Thanksgiving—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Out – DJ Reader DT, Shoulder (NP NP NP)
Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder, giving rise to a shoulder subluxation/dislocation. These can be overcome with rehabilitation, but often require surgery later. There is no word yet on his diagnosis.
For reference, DeShon Elliott missed two games with the Lions in 2022 due to a shoulder injury.
Brodric Martin, who only got two snaps in his first game off IR on Thanksgiving, could see a big surge.
DJ Reader L shoulder injury video
-Possible shoulder subluxation—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Loss – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP NP NP)
Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He has not been placed on IR, suggesting it is not serious.
Levi Onwuzurike L's thigh injury video
– Not serious as he was not placed on IR
-Will miss at least 1 game—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
Lost – Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP NP NP)
Paschal injured his right knee last game. The diagnosis is uncertain, but it is reportedly not a serious condition.
Josh Paschal R knee injury video
-Went to the ground after this play. Uncertain exact time of injury. Takes a hard step towards the end, but could have hurt him with a previous step.
-Previous trips looked good.
-Not set to IR. Will miss at least 1 game.—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
In – Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP FP FP)
Davis suffered a left knee injury 10 days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I suspect a slight strain of a muscle/tendon in his back knee. With him, the secondary school is back in full swing.
Carlton Davis L knee injury video
– Nothing obvious. ACL exam passed. Serious injury to a knee ligament is unlikely.
-Possible rear knee tendon/muscle strain.
-Unlikely meniscus, but awaiting MRI results.—Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD)
In – Emmanuel Moseley CB, thigh (FP FP FP)
Moseley missed Thanksgiving with a minor hamstring injury but is now good to go. It will be interesting to see if he takes a few snaps at CB for the first time this season.
IR STATUS UPDATE
We'll be back soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect to see him in Week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect to see him early in the playoffs.
Uncertain return
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Neck – He is eligible to return this game, but his 21-day practice window did not open this week. This means there are at least three weeks left on his schedule. A neck injury on IR is concerning for a spinal problem.
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring injury – Eligible to return Dec. 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22nd.
Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tibia and fibula fracture – Expects very limited action in the Super Bowl.
• John Cominsky, MCL – The initial estimate was a January return at the earliest.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to return.
I don't expect any return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pectoral muscle
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Out – Jaire Alexander CB (LP LP NP)
This starting CB missed the last two games due to a PCL injury that lasted several weeks. He also missed the first meeting with the Lions. It is wise to rest until it heals completely.
Out – Romeo Doubs WR (LP LP LP)
Doubs will miss his second straight game due to a concussion. He has been productive this year with 34 catches for 483 yards, second on the team behind Jayden Reed.
Lost – Edgerrin Cooper LB, Hamstring (NP NP NP)
This second-round rookie missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.
Out – Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP NP NP)
Ballentine is primarily a special teams player.
In – Josh Jacobs RB, Calf (LP LP LP)
Jacobs has rushed for 987 yards this year, which is the third-most in the NFL, just ahead of Jahmyr Gibbs (973 yards).
In – Rasheed Walker OT, Knee (LP LP FP)
This starting LT has played every game this year.
In – Josh Myers C, Pec (LP LP FP)
Myers is the starting player and has played the last three games.
In – Elgton Jenkins OG, Rest (NP LP LP)
Jenkins has started every game this year.
In – Isaiah McDuffie LB, Ankle (LP LP FP)
McDuffie has started every game this year.
In – Colby Wooden DE, Shoulder (LP LP LP)
Wooden is a part-time player on the defensive line and has four solo tackles this year.
