The Detroit Lions have entered the most crucial stretch of their 2025 season, but their momentum took a major blow on Thanksgiving after a 31–24 home loss to the Green Bay Packers. With the playoff race tightening, head coach Dan Campbell now faces the challenge of getting his team back on track during one of the league’s toughest remaining schedules.
According to Tankathon, the Lions hold the fourth-hardest remaining schedule, increasing the pressure on every player to step up. While Detroit will likely lean on unexpected contributors down the stretch, one player who may not get that opportunity is defensive end Josh Paschal, who was surprisingly inactive in Week 13, per A to Z Sports reporter Mike Payton.
Josh Paschal’s Week 13 Inactivity Signals Possible End in Detroit
Paschal’s absence was unexpected. He had been practicing consistently since the opening of his 21-day evaluation window, leading many to believe he would return this week. His inactive status raises questions about whether he experienced a setback in his back injury, and the Lions may be unwilling to risk rushing him back during the playoff push.
The news comes at a difficult time for Detroit’s defense, which has dealt with injuries throughout the season. Paschal’s ability as a run defender could have helped reinforce the defensive line during a challenging stretch.
Last season, Paschal earned a 62.5 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 59th among 121 edge rushers. Without him, the Lions remain thin up front, with four defensive linemen currently sidelined. Detroit is relying on its remaining group to carry the load, including:
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Aidan Hutchinson
Marcus Davenport — activated Wednesday
Tyrus Wheat — only 28 defensive snaps before Week 13
Tyler Lacy — who also missed the Thanksgiving matchup
Paschal’s Production Fails to Match Draft Expectations
Paschal is now in the final year of his rookie contract, and expectations have far outweighed his on-field production. Drafted to be a long-term complement to Hutchinson, Paschal has struggled to stay healthy and make an impact.
Through 36 career games, he has totaled:
62 tackles
12 tackles for loss
5 sacks
Those numbers simply don’t justify a second contract—especially since he has yet to play a snap this season.
Unless something changes dramatically, all indicators suggest that Josh Paschal’s time with the Detroit Lions is likely coming to an end as the team shifts focus to more reliable and healthier contributors.
