In the Divisional Round on Sunday, the Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23.
In the NFC Championship, Detroit will be competing for the first time since 1992. This time, on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Central Time, they will go to San Francisco to play the 49ers.
For the Lions, there is some unfortunate news, though. Due to an injury sustained against the Buccaneers, their starting left guard is expected to miss time.
In the NFC Championship Game, the Detroit Lions’ Pro Bowl guard is probably not going to play.
Jonah Jackson tweaked his knee during run blocking in the first half of the Divisional Round, which resulted in an injury. Jackson hobbled off the pitch and made his way straight to the changing area.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Jackson sustained a minor meniscus injury. He had surgery, therefore the NFC Championship Game will probably be missed.
Head coach Dan Campbell of Detroit says there’s a chance Jonah Jackson will play in the Super Bowl if Detroit wins over San Francisco:
It’s challenging to determine. In an interview with reporters on January 22, Campbell said, “I think the timeline could be there; it’s just a matter of how fast this thing heals and what it feels like.” Jackson is now recuperating. “I believe it’s possible, but we’ll see.”
This will (likely) be his sixth game missed this season.
Jonah Jackson suffered various injuries during the regular season, which limited him to just 12 games. Weeks 6–8 were missed by Jackson due to a high ankle injury that occurred in Week 5. He missed Weeks 11 and 12 due to a wrist injury that occurred in Week 10.
With a 59.7 PFF Grade, the Pro Bowl offensive guard played in 798 snaps, had five penalties, and gave up two sacks.
Who will be his replacement (if he cannot play)?
With Jackson down, Kayode Awosika is expected to start. In the regular season, Awosika started three games, played 252 snaps, was called for two penalties, gave up one sack, and got a 59.8 PFF grade.
Last week, Awosika took Jackson’s place and allowed five pressures according to PFF.
“Yode enters, and he provided us with some excellent work. But he’s been played. He has given us a lot of performances. He was a member of our team the previous season, and now that he’s playing for us, he should be able to earn a lot of reps and be the starter. It will benefit him that you and the other guys are getting ready. However, it is large. You nurture those individuals and give them an opportunity to play and practice because you know you’ll need them, which is why you have depth.
With the injury to Jonah Jackson, will the Detroit Lions be able to slow down the San Francisco 49ers’ elite defensive line and win the line of scrimmage?
