The Detroit Lions enter Week 3 riding high after dismantling the Chicago Bears 52-21 at Ford Field on Sunday, September 14. Their attention now shifts to a primetime showdown with the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, September 23—a matchup that promises plenty of intrigue.
Both squads head into the contest at 1-1. Baltimore opened the year with a loss to Buffalo before bouncing back against Cleveland, while Detroit fell in Week 1 to Green Bay before rebounding last weekend. Oddsmakers are leaning heavily toward the Ravens, but the Lions are no strangers to the underdog role.
Baltimore, however, might not be at full strength. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, who paced the team with 12.5 sacks last season, is dealing with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 2 and could miss several games. Michael Bohlin of Detroit Jock City added that Van Noy’s absence would significantly impact Baltimore’s pass rush, as his ability to collapse the pocket was a key weapon for their defense.
While losing a star defender is never good news for any team, it could tilt the scales slightly in Detroit’s favor as they prepare to deal with Lamar Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability.
Detroit’s Own Injury Concerns
On the other side, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed Detroit’s injury situation on Monday, September 15. Defensive end Marcus Davenport left the win over Chicago in the third quarter with a shoulder issue after also battling an ankle problem earlier in the game. Campbell confirmed that Davenport is undergoing evaluations and his status for Week 3 is uncertain.
Campbell did have a more encouraging update on Aidan Hutchinson, who appeared banged up after a second-half collision. The coach described Hutchinson as “a little sore” but otherwise fine, a positive sign for Detroit as they look to keep their defensive cornerstone healthy throughout the season.
