The Detroit Lions enter their home opener against the Chicago Bears with a couple of injury concerns surrounding key starters.
Left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee) are both listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their status and the current outlook across the depth chart:
Quarterbacks
Jared Goff
Kyle Allen
C.J. Beathard (Emergency QB3)
Goff aims for a sharper performance after being limited to short throws in Week 1, where he completed 31 of 39 passes. Kyle Allen continues to serve as the primary backup while mimicking Caleb Williams in practice. Beathard remains the emergency option, with another week of reps under his belt.
Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs
David Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
Jacob Saylors
Doubtful: Sione Vaki (hamstring)
Vaki is unlikely to suit up as he recovers from his injury. Montgomery and Gibbs dominated the workload last week, with Gibbs out-snapping Montgomery 44 to 25. Expect a similar rotation, as both were heavily involved in the passing game as well.
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Isaac TeSlaa
Kalif Raymond
Dominic Lovett
Rookie Isaac TeSlaa is expected to see more action after making a highlight-reel grab in limited snaps during his debut. Coach Dan Campbell praised his effort and hinted at increased opportunities moving forward.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta
Brock Wright
Shane Zylstra
LaPorta led the team in receiving last week with six catches for 79 yards, including the offense’s only explosive play—a 32-yard gain.
Offensive Line
Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Christian Mahogany, C Graham Glasgow, RG Tate Ratledge, RT Penei Sewell
Reserves: Kayode Awosika, Giovanni Manu, Kingsley Eguakun
Decker hasn’t practiced all week, but Detroit’s decision not to elevate extra tackle help suggests optimism for his availability. Should he sit, rookie Giovanni Manu would likely step in, though the line would be dangerously thin.
Defensive Line
Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport
Reserves: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, Roy Lopez, Tyler Lacy, Chris Smith, Pat O’Connor, Mekhi Wingo
Detroit’s pass rush failed to generate much pressure in Week 1, registering no sacks and only two quarterback hits. Hutchinson was the lone defender with multiple pressures. Coaches expect more rotation snaps for Muhammad and possibly a debut for Wingo.
Linebackers
Starters: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes
Reserves: Zach Cunningham, Grant Stuard, Monty Rice
Out: Trevor Nowaske
Despite dialing up blitzes at a top-10 rate, Detroit failed to make them count last week. Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard emphasized the need for better execution, especially with Hutchinson often drawing double-teams.
Secondary
Starters: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson
Reserves: Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey, Daniel Thomas, Thomas Harper
Joseph’s late addition to the injury report raises concern, though he managed to practice in a limited capacity. Given this issue dates back to camp, his availability bears watching. Corner Terrion Arnold, who left last week with a groin issue, has no game designation and is cleared to play.
Special Teams
K Jake Bates
P Jack Fox
LS Hogan Hatten
KR Jacob Saylors, Grant Stuard
PR Kalif Raymond
With Vaki doubtful, Saylors and Stuard are expected to continue handling kick returns. Otherwise, the unit remains unchanged.
