Injury Report: A Healthy Detroit Lions Team Still Has Hard Test Ahead In Green Bay
By Danny Cox
Any team in the NFL would have a difficult task in getting a victory against the Green Bay Packers. This week, that task falls to the Lions as they head to Lambeau Field with a very short injury report and only one player officially listed as out. Unfortunately, the Packers are also on a two-game losing streak and not in the best of moods, so they will be looking to get out of that slump in the worst way.
Cornerback Rashean Mathis is the only player listed as out for the Lions this week as he's still going through the NFL's concussion protocol. Mathis suffered the concussion in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings. While he was cleared during and after the game, symptoms started developing later in the week and he was held out of the Chiefs game in London and then placed into the concussion protocol after the team returned home. For now, it's not known exactly when he may return to the field.
Josh Wilson and Nevin Lawson are both expected to play in Mathis' absence and see extra time. Wilson though, is also dealing with a neck injury that limited a bit this week in practice. He should be fine to go on Sunday versus the Chiefs.
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that is more bothersome than serious. He first injured the ankle a few weeks ago but hasn't missed any games. He did aggravate it against the Chiefs in London, but was able to rest it a good bit during the bye week. Some are calling him a game-time decision against the Packers, but there's a good chance he will be playing.
Backup safety and special teams ace Isa Abdul-Quddus is also listed as questionable after not practicing on Friday all of a sudden. The Lions say he is dealing with a foot injury, but it looks as if he could be a 50/50 chance of playing this weekend.
The Detroit Lions are going to be facing off with an angry and bitter Green Bay Packers team, but luckily, they're quite healthy. If Johnson doesn't play, then it's going to be an even tougher contest in Lambeau, but the Lions have the talent to compete with anyone. The only thing now is using that talent and playing strong for a full 60 minutes.
Probable:
James Ihedigbo, S (shoulder)
Travis Lewis, LB (groin)
Darius Slay, CB (head)
Josh Wilson, CB (neck)
Questionable:
Calvin Johnson, WR (ankle)
Isa Abdul-Quddus, CB (foot)
Doubtful:
None
Out:
Rashean Mathis, CB (concussion)
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.