The Detroit Lions may be heading into Week 12 with more questions than answers. As the team prepares for a crucial home matchup against the New York Giants, their latest injury report has set off real concern across Detroit. Five star players missed practice on Wednesday, putting the Lions on potential upset alert just days before a game with major standings implications.
The injuries come at a brutal time for a Lions squad that has already dealt with uneven performances throughout the 2025 season. At 6–4, Detroit is sitting third in the NFC North, trailing the 7–3 Chicago Bears and the 6–3-1 Green Bay Packers. With the division race tightening, this week’s availability issues could not have surfaced at a worse moment.
Offensive Line Takes Major Hit
Two of Detroit’s most important offensive players—left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) and right tackle Penei Sewell (ankle)—were unable to practice. Losing both bookend tackles is a nightmare scenario for any offense, especially one that depends heavily on strong protection to sustain drives and create balance in the run and pass game.
Decker and Sewell are widely regarded as the foundation of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. Their absence would force backup players into critical roles against a Giants defense that has shown flashes of aggression and creativity under pressure.
Defense Also Dealing With Serious Setbacks
The defensive side of the ball isn’t in better shape. Rookie standout cornerback Terrion Arnold remains in concussion protocol and is trending toward questionable status. Detroit’s secondary depth took further hits as both Brian Branch (toe) and Kerby Joseph (knee) did not participate in practice.
Branch and Joseph are not just contributors—they are core pieces in Detroit’s defensive identity. Without them, the Lions risk losing communication, range, and playmaking ability in the backfield, opening the door for breakdowns against even a struggling Giants offense.
Adding to the concern, edge rusher Marcus Davenport and cornerback DJ Reed were limited participants. If they cannot go at full strength, Detroit’s pass rush and coverage rotations will be stretched thin.
A Critical Week With High Stakes
With the Giants also dealing with injuries, this matchup could come down to which team survives the war of attrition. For the Lions, the fear is simple: playing undermanned in a pivotal NFC game could create an opening for an unexpected upset.
Detroit will need fast improvement on the injury front—and quickly—if they hope to avoid stumbling at a time when every win matters.
