Lions News

[froot loops]

He will be useful

[Coop]

Losing Montgomery simply sucks..that does fee like a dagger. However, as Campbell stated "no one cares" - next man up. Vaki? Reynolds? your turn, gentlemen.

[chemiclord]

Truthfully if they don't win the Superbowl, they can use injuries as an excuse. If they are going to win it now, it's going to have to be much different than what was imagined 6-8 weeks ago. But if you looked at the DVOA of the team it was in all time great teams range. Even with the injuries they can put up points and yardage all the time. They cannot afford to peter out in red zone like they have for a few of the games. That is a luxury the defensive injuries will not afford them anymore.

Let's wait for the next couple games to see how it is going. Losing 4 guys in a game is terrible, but some of the other guys will come back. A does of Vitamin W against the Bears would do wonders.

The path to victory for the Lions really hasn't changed despite the injuries. They were always going to be counting on outscoring opponents. Now, a lot of margin for error is gone at this point. Come playoff time, this team simply cannot afford to have quarters they go scoreless and go three and out more than maybe once or twice a game. Wins are going to have to be of the 34-31 variety.

They certainly can pull it off... but woof, if they have a start like they did against Buffalo in any game in the playoffs, they can probably safely start planning their tee times by the end of the first half.

[The Ken]

t would be surprising that Clyde Edwards-Helaire will clear waivers all the way to the Lions; I can see the Vikings picking him up just to annoy the Lions.

[Mainevent]

The OL needs to get sorted, especially in the running game. Hopefully Decker will be better after another week, but I'm concerned about Glasgow and Ragnow. Heard a second hand rumor that Glasgow is playing hurt (possible shoulder issue?) and we all know Ragnow's history of playing through all sorts of stuff. But if that's leading to the breakdowns we've seen the last couple of games, that's not good.

[froot loops]

The path to victory for the Lions really hasn't changed despite the injuries. They were always going to be counting on outscoring opponents. Now, a lot of margin for error is gone at this point. Come playoff time, this team simply cannot afford to have quarters they go scoreless and go three and out more than maybe once or twice a game. Wins are going to have to be of the 34-31 variety.

They certainly can pull it off... but woof, if they have a start like they did against Buffalo in any game in the playoffs, they can probably safely start planning their tee times by the end of the first half.

I'd disagree about the outscoring when the defense was healthy. The defense was really good, maybe playing a little above their potential but in DVOA and by PFF's grading system they have been in the top 5. Well after the Hutch's injury.

Now with the multitude of injuries, they will have to rely on the offense. I just don't think the Buffalo game is going to be the model going forward where a first quarter lull sinks them. Most teams cannot score like that.

[froot loops]

Everyone watch this and then go run through a wall.

[Whitley]

Vaki is the wild card here. Netflix is not going to get those tough yards between the tackles. Not sure if Vaki can or not.

[Mainevent]

POD put together a list of practice squad guys they could look at - Zonovan Knight seems like a logical add if they go that route.

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/12/17/24322619/detroit-lions-options-replace-david-montgomery-signing-practice-squad

[DanO]

POD put together a list of practice squad guys they could look at - Zonovan Knight seems like a logical add if they go that route.

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/...practice-squad

.............or they could use guys already on the roster. We have capable backups. Losing Monty is huge but the Lions can adjust. They may have to rely on Goff to throw more. I can see them using the short passing game as a partial "running" attack. This is the time when the Lions might change the offensive philosophy.

[Mainevent]

Hence why I said "if they go that route".

Vaki hasn't played a single meaningful snap at RB this season, and he's a rookie still learning the position. So that means the Lions have 2 guys with experience in Gibbs and Reynolds. They could play the game of elevating Jemar Jefferson off of the practice squad, I don't think they've had to pull him up at all, so that means he has 3 elevations available. But wouldn't surprise me if they go for a more experienced player.

[froot loops]

I think it is pretty safe to assume they are looking for a replacement but at this point it might be a little thin of available players.

[whatever_gong82]

Detroit Lions will wear throwback uniforms for regular season finale

Justin Rogers
Dec 18


Allen Park — When the Detroit Lions unveiled their overhauled uniforms this offseason, one thing that largely went untouched was the team’s throwback combination.


But when the classic look didn’t make an anticipated appearance on Thanksgiving, some wondered if they’d be shelved this season. The popular UniWatch blog even posted a reader hypothesis mislabeled as a theory that there had been a mistake with the production of the uniforms.

That’s not the case. The throwbacks will make a 2024 appearance for the team’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.




As it turns out, the final home game has been developing into as much of a tradition for the throwbacks as Thanksgiving. Since adding the look back to the rotation in 2017, this will be the third time the Lions have worn the classics for the final home game.

More relevant, it’s the third time in four years during the Dan Campbell era. That’s notable because the coach and team president Rod Wood select the uniform lineup before the season.




The lone exception under Campbell was Thanksgiving last year. And the only time the Lions have worn throwbacks other than the holiday or the final home game since bringing them back in 2017 was a Week 4 matchup against Kansas City in 2019.


The only difference with the current throwbacks, compared to last year’s version, is an updated blue to match the more vibrant hue of the team’s other uniforms.

NFL guidelines limit teams to wearing alternative uniforms three times during the regular season and they're prohibited during the postseason. The Lions previously wore their black uniforms for a Week 4 primetime game against the Seattle Seahawks and last weekend against the Buffalo Bills.


The Week 18 matchup with the Vikings is tracking toward being critically important to the NFC North race and potentially the No. 1 seed in the conference. Both teams have a 12-2 record entering the home stretch, with the Lions holding all the relevant tie-breakers if they can gain an advantage in the standings ahead of the finale.

If the division or playoff seeding is on the line, the game will almost certainly be flexed into a primetime slot.



Email: jrogers@detroitfootball.net

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[Tom]

The throwbacks are the best uniforms. Was getting tired of the monochrome unis other than whites only uniforms ( The League reference).

[whatever_gong82]

Combing through Lions' lengthy injury list searching for a common thread

Justin Rogers
Dec 18


Allen Park — It’s no secret that the Detroit Lions are banged-up, having suffered more serious injuries, many season-ending, than any team in the league.


Detroit has done a remarkable job overcoming its growing list of players on the shelf, but after surrendering 48 points to the Buffalo Bills in what many viewed as a potential Super Bowl preview on Sunday, some are wondering if the Lions have hit a breaking point that will prohibit them from seeing their championship aspirations through.

Fans have sought to tie the teeming injured list to a theme. Is the training staff to blame? Are the Lions practicing too hard? Is this the residual impact from a shorter offseason? Would there be this many injuries if they played on grass?


Each question is reasonable, but do any offer a realistic explanation? Can we draw any conclusions based on the types of injuries Lions players have experienced? Let’s go through them one by one and see where we land.

Where available, a video of the play where the injury occurred is included.


Linebacker Alex Anzalone: Forearm

The veteran linebacker, who has a lengthy history of shoulder issues, had played in 33 of 34 regular-season games the past two years. He suffered a broken forearm against Jacksonville on Nov. 17.

A case of friendly fire, this was a bad break for the defensive captain, no pun intended. Pursuing running back Travis Etienne to the sideline, Anzalone's arm got caught between the ball carrier and teammate Brian Branch, who was similarly trying to drive Etienne out of bounds.



Defensive lineman David Bada: Achilles

Signed in late July as part of the International Pathway Program, the German-born defensive tackle (No. 61) took an awkward, twisting step adjusting to a handoff in the preseason opener, tearing his Achilles.

The matchup was played at MetLife Stadium, which has an artificial surface that was last replaced ahead of the 2023 season.



Kicker Michael Badgley: Hamstring

Detroit’s kicker for parts of the past two seasons, Badgley tore his hamstring while warming up ahead of a late July training camp practice.

The injury occurred outdoors where the Lions have natural grass fields.


Linebacker Derrick Barnes: Knee

Rushing the quarterback from an edge alignment in Detroit’s Week 3 matchup against Arizona, Barnes was cut blocked by motioning, 273-pound tight end Tip Reiman.

Taking a helmet directly to his right knee, the linebacker's leg buckled, causing him to tear the MCL and PCL.

The surface at State Farm Stadium is natural grass.



Defensive lineman John Cominsky: Knee

Cominsky suffered a torn MCL during a late July training camp practice while participating in full-team work. The injury occurred outdoors, on the team’s natural grass practice field.


Cornerback Carlton Davis: Jaw

In Detroit’s Dec. 15 matchup against Buffalo, Davis made a diving run stop on rookie running back Ray Davis, taking a knee to the face while making the tackle.

Davis reportedly suffered a broken jaw on the play, which will potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season.



Defensive end Marcus Davenport: Triceps

While trying to collapse the pocket against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, second-year offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. chopped Davenport’s arm trying to break the edge rusher’s grip.

A normal football move for an offensive lineman, Davenport’s suffered a torn tricep from the action, likely shelving him for the remainder of the year.



Cornerback Khalil Dorsey: Leg

In Detroit’s Dec. 15 game against Buffalo, Dorsey collided with teammate Ezekiel Turner, suffering a broken right leg that required same-day surgery.



Offensive tackle Connor Galvin: Knee

Suffering a classic injury for an offensive lineman, Galvin had an opposing player fall on the back of his legs while run blocking in the preseason opener against the New York Giants.

The unfortunate incident resulted in Galvin tearing the MCL in his left knee.



Wide receiver Antoine Green: Head/neck

In the preseason opener, Green suffered head and neck injuries while throwing a block on safety Gervarrius Owens. The second-year receiver bounced hard off the defender, with the back of his neck snapping across the leg of running back Sione Vaki on the way to the ground.



Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson: Leg

Rushing the passer in Detroit’s Week 6 game against Dallas, Hutchinson’s leg whipped across teammate Alim McNeill, breaking both the tibia and fibula in Hutchinson’s right leg.

The injury required same-day surgery. There’s hope the third-year defender could heal in time to return for the Super Bowl, if the Lions make the championship game.



Defensive end Nate Lynn: Shoulder

The undrafted rookie suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason opener against the New York Giants. It’s unclear the exact time in the game the injury occurred, but it derailed a productive debut for the William & Mary product, who had a sack and five QB pressures in 22 snaps.


Defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu: Ankle/finger

Melifonwu started and played 38 snaps in Detroit’s second preseason game against Kansas City before landing on the shelf. Listed as an ankle injury, the Detroit Free Press reported it was tied to a nagging issue with his Achilles tendon that bothered him earlier in training camp.

The Lions hoped for an early season return, but eventually conceded the recovery was taking longer than expected, placing the defensive back on injured reserve in late September. Then, when on the cusp of being activated, he suffered a finger injury in practice that required a second stint on injured reserve.


Defensive tackle Alim McNeill: Knee

Rushing the quarterback during the Lions’ Dec. 15 game against the Bills, McNeill overran the pocket and tried to course-correct. While reversing directions, he left his feet and came down with his entire 315-pound weigh on his right leg.



Running back David Montgomery: Knee

Montgomery hasn’t been placed on injured reserve yet, but coach Dan Campbell didn’t sound optimistic about the running back’s chances of playing again this season.


It’s unclear whether the MCL injury occurred on the Dec. 15 pass-blocking effort shown below, where Montgomery visibly came up limping after the play, or during a carry the previous snap.

Either way, Montgomery powered through, never officially exiting the contest.



Guard Netane Muti: Pectoral

Injured the same day as Cominksy, Muti overextended his arm while blocking and tore his pec in late July. He had surgery and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the season with a projection of being full strength in February.


Defensive tackle Kyle Peko: Pectoral

Similar to Muti, Peko overextended his arm and tore his pec while trying to make a run stop against Dallas in Week 6.



Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw: Hamstring

Rakestraw initially suffered a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups in Week 2. He suffered a second strain during a late-week practice in November and was placed on injured reserve the following day.

It’s not known whether the second hamstring injury was an aggravation of the same one injured earlier in the season. Regardless, even though he hasn’t returned to practice, Campbell acknowledged the rookie is getting close.


Wide receiver Kalif Raymond: Foot

Raymond landed hard when returning a punt against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24. He was spun around while being tackled with both feet leaving the ground. When the left hit reconnected with the turf, it folded awkwardly.

The current expectation is Raymond should be back for the postseason.



Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin: Neck

There was no obvious moment where Reeves-Maybin (42) suffered a neck injury during the team’s Week 9 game against Green Bay. He participated in both defensive and special teams reps early in the fourth quarter before it was announced he was being evaluated for a shoulder injury. He was quickly cleared and returned to the contest, finishing the game.

The only thing that looked remotely unusual on film was a punt early in the fourth quarter where there was a subtle snapping of his helmet into an oncoming rusher while blocking.

Reeves-Maybin didn’t practice the following week and was added to injured reserve on Nov. 9. He hasn’t resumed practicing.



Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez: Knee

Rodriguez (44) suffered a torn ACL while picking up the running back in coverage during the team’s Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears. The linebacker’s knee appeared to buckle under the stress of coming to a hard stop while trying to change direction and mirror the running back’s route.



Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo: Knee

While there wasn’t a clear moment Wingo suffered his season-ending injury on Thanksgiving, he did come up limping the play after he was driven back by a double team on the third-quarter run captured below.

He briefly exited the game but ended up playing another dozen defensive and special teams snaps. The exact ligament that was damaged wasn’t announced, but Campbell did note Wingo required surgery.



Concluding thoughts


Needless to say, that’s a lot.

Let’s sort through things a little bit:


There are 22 players on the list — 21 on injured reserve and Montgomery, who wasn’t officially added on Tuesday as initially expected. Hopefully, we’ll get more clarity on his situation this week.

Of those, at least four are dealing with broken bones. It’s possible that Melifonwu and Raymond also fall into that category, but that’s unknown at this time. Regardless, unless there’s an epidemic of early-onset osteoarthritis in Detroit’s locker room, we can chalk these up to general misfortune.



We can probably file Green and Reeves-Maybin’s neck issues under “freak” coincidence, as well.

That still leaves the roster with plenty of traditional football injuries. But many of those are explained away by the video evidence. A helmet to the knee on a cut block? A full-force chop across a locked arm? A defender falling on the back of your leg? An overextended arm while making a tackle? Individually, there’s nothing unusual about any of those conditions in professional football.



Where there’s a little bit of a concern is in the number of knee injuries beyond Barnes and Galvin. The Lions have lost five others, Montgomery pending, to knee issues.

Two of those five, Rodriguez and McNeill are known to have suffered torn ACLs. In 2023, 52 NFL players lost their seasons to an ACL injury, an average of 1.6 per team. So the Lions are actually well within normal range.



The MCL, on the other hand, is the most frequently damaged knee ligament in football, according to a multi-year study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2017. They were found to occur at a rate four times ACL injuries, with most suffered by offensive and defensive linemen, which tracks with the injuries to Galvin and Cominsky.

The injury was found to be far less likely in running backs, according to the study, but heavy weight lifting, quick change of direction, and hits directly to the knee are all risk factors, so maybe not all that surprising Montgomery, a noted weight room warrior, was impacted.



In terms of muscle concerns, the Lions have had minimal issues. The torn pecs were caused by unnatural overextension in the trenches, while Rakestraw had some noted durability concerns coming into the league. That leaves Badgley as an uncharacteristic outlier.

Individually, it's increasingly difficult to peg Detroit's woes on a single factor. Any idea the team's training staff might be at fault almost seems silly a year after they were lauded for improving overall team health, earning rave reviews throughout the locker room. Specifically, Frank Ragnow and Levi Onwuzurike credited the staff, led by Brett Fischer and Mike Sundeen, for helping alleviate their chronic pain and play at a high level. Onwuzurike has played 501 defensive snaps through the first 14 games in 2024 after logging 528 combined through his first three seasons.


In the debate of turf vs. grass, the Lions have certainly suffered their share of issues on turf. And there's no running from the fact players prefer grass surfaces. But the reality is the team plays almost every game, home and away, on artificial surfaces. Yes, Ford Field’s surface could have been a factor in recent knee injuries for Montgomery, Wingo and Rodriguez, but that's difficult to say with any certainty.

More and more, this truly looks like bad luck. That’s a tough pill to swallow because it's easier when there’s an obvious explanation or something to blame. But the simplest explanation is football is a physically demanding and violent game with countless collisions each week.



Email: jrogers@detroitfootball.net

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