The Lions and Packers will be dueling for first place this Sunday. While both team’s QBs suffered injuries last game, the bigger question mark is the status of Jordan Love.
Love left the last game due to a groin injury and did not practice today. He is also still wearing a knee brace related to an MCL sprain suffered in week one.
The Lions came out of the Titans game very healthy after dodging a severe injury to Malcolm Rodriguez. Many Lions got rest days today which could be a routine precaution or related to previous injuries that I will reference below.
DETROIT LIONS
Jared Goff QB (NP) ankle
In the 1st quarter, Goff suffered a mild inversion injury to his right ankle which can cause a low ankle sprain. He didn’t miss any plays and only left in garbage time.
A rest day was expected and is not a concern. He might get some extra tape but should be a full-go vs the Packers.
Jared Goff R low ankle sprain injury video
-Hurt midway thru 1q. Taped and finished game.
-May be sore this week and get rest day(s) but no significant concern for next game vs Packers. pic.twitter.com/np42AHRxRd— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 28, 2024
Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP) ankle
Early in the 1st quarter on punt coverage, a Titans player crashed into his left ankle from the side which can cause a high ankle sprain, medial ankle sprain, or a fracture. Fortunately, reports are that the injury is minor and not a high ankle sprain. While he likely won’t play this week, he might be back next week.
Malcolm Rodriguez L ankle injury video
-Hurt on his very 1st play punt coverage. His 2nd play, ankle gives out on him. Did not return.
-Low impact from lateral side likely caused eversion ankle injury
-Suspecting high ankle sprain or medial ankle sprain pic.twitter.com/XlwNTlindD— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 28, 2024
Josh Paschal DE (NP) illness
Paschal did not practice all last week and missed the Titans game due to an illness. For an illness to last this long is slightly unusual, but fortunately, early reports are it is minor. Most importantly, the illness isn’t a recurrence of the life-threatening melanoma he had in 2018.
Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee
Martin suffered a right knee hyperextension on August 24. Good to see that his 21-day practice window has opened with an FP. We could see him moved to the active roster at any point, even as soon as this weekend. More likely he’ll use up most of his practice window before getting activated.
Taylor Decker OT (NP) chest
Not sure what to make of the chest designation but I’m not too concerned at this time. The pec and ribs are in the chest area but are usually listed as such. There is worry for internal organ injury (typically lungs) with a chest designation but there were no signs of a serious injury during the game.
I reviewed all his plays in the 3rd quarter and didn’t notice anything. He didn’t play in garbage time of the fourth quarter.
Sione Vaki RB (NP) knee
Video review showed that he came up limping on punt coverage in the 4th quarter. He was not in frame for most of the play. The limp suggested a right leg injury. He did not go down after the play which hopefully means it’s minor.
Frank Ragnow C (NP) rest
Ragnow has had a chronic toe issue for years and has gotten regular rest days since then.
Kevin Zeitler OG (NP) rest
Zeitler missed the Cowboys game three weeks ago due to a groin/hip issue but has played the last two games. He also had a shoulder issue in training camp.
Levi Onwuzurike DT (NP) rest
Onwuzurike has made a remarkable recovery from L5-S1 lumbar fusion in October 2022. Getting regular rest days may help keep his back healthy.
DJ Reader DT (NP) rest
Reader had a right quad tendon tear in December 2023. He made his first appearance in game two and has been reliable so far. Rest days might be a good idea to keep his leg strong.
Graham Glasgow OG (NP) rest
Glasgow had a minor knee issue back in week two.
NOTABLES
Kalif Raymond
On a day he won special teams player of the week, Raymond had his head slammed onto the turf in the 4th quarter. He did pass the sideline concussion evaluation and seemed fine after the game. Good news that there are no signs of delayed concussion symptoms.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Jordan Love QB (NP) groin
The MRI this week did not show anything severe which suggests this won’t be a long-term injury. Whether he plays vs the Lions is up in the air and likely comes down to many factors including severity and risk tolerance.
Lean in:
- This is an important game in the division.
- The bye after the game allows for extra recovery time.
Lean out:
- The groin isn’t an area that can be effectively protected with a brace or tape like an ankle or knee. Thus an aggravation during the game is certainly possible.
- He’s still recovering from his week one MCL sprain and wears a knee brace.
- It’s still early in the season so risking an aggravation to the groin or MCL may not be worth it.
- Malik Willis has won two games as a starter this year beating the Colts and Titans.
Jaire Alexander CB (NP) knee
This starting CB played 100% of snaps last game. An MRI this week was negative which suggests he has a good chance of playing vs the Lions.
Josh Jacobs RB (NP) ankle
Jacobs has been an impact player for the Packers this year with 667 rushing yards. He hurt his ankle this past Sunday but he’s expected to be ready for the Lions.
Quay Walker LB (FP) concussion
Walker missed last game due to concussion but is on track to play Sunday.
Josh Myers C (NP) wrist
Myers is the starting center and played all snaps last game.
Rasheed Walker OT (NP) knee
Walker is the starting LT and played all snaps last game.
Elgton Jenkins G (NP) glute
Jenkins had the glute injury before last game and still played.
Corey Ballentine DB (LP) ankle
This CB has had minimal defensive snaps this year. He missed last game but may be on track to be back this Sunday.