If the Lions are to win the NFC North for the first time in almost 30 years, they will need help from some unexpected sources.
The Detroit Lions are not quite as injured as they were earlier in the season, but with a few starters designated “Out” or “Doubtful,” there are some opportunities for players to jump in and make an impact against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson indicated on social media a while back that his target return date was December 20th, and while he kept his word and was able to practice that day, it looks that the Lions want to be cautious and keep him out for another week as he reacclimates. Ifeatu Melifonwu filled in last week and gave an outstanding performance, therefore he should be starting again while CJGJ is away.
The Lions will be without Jerry Jacobs at CB2, and there is some mystery as to who will fill that position. Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, appears to have a lot of faith in all of his players. Kindle Vildor, in particular, has recently stepped up and performed admirably. Glenn had the following to say about Vildor when speaking to Lions media:
“He, too, deserves a chance to play.” He’s practicing with us and working hard. As a result, we’re going to give him a chance. He also participates in special teams. And the thing about those two men is that we really need them to play special teams, so both of them will have an opportunity to play defense. We don’t want to run them all down, so, listen, it’s a fantastic situation for us to have two guys battling for that job as well as aiding us on special teams.”
But don’t dismiss Khalil Dorsey, who was also praised by Glenn:
“He’s a tough guy, he’s fast, and he’s physical.” Listen, he hasn’t gotten much experience playing corner. If you look at what he’s done for us on special teams, he’s one of the finest gunners in this game, in my opinion, and he’s still evolving, so. But he’s in a bind. We want to give him every opportunity to go out there and show what he can do because he is a running corner.
And I’ve said it before: if you show me in practice that you can go out there and compete and play, you’ll have an opportunity to play for me. And he deserved it, so he went out there and performed an excellent job for us.”
It wouldn’t surprise me if both Dorsey and Vildor saw action against the Vikings at CB2.
The Lions may also be shorthanded at linebacker, with Derrick Barnes listed as “Doubtful” on Sunday, which means Jack Campbell will see a lot more snaps, as well as an increased role for Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who has done an excellent job filling in recently due to injury.
