The Detroit Lions (10-4) and Minnesota Vikings (7-7) have both declared themselves inactive for their Week 16 encounter, the first of two in the following three weeks. The Lions will be missing two regular contributors, possibly a third, and will not be returning any players from injured reserve, but all of their starters are healthy and ready to play.
NOTE: Any changes from yesterday’s injury report will be bolded.
Ruled OUT
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 19
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 19
Wright and Jacobs were unable to practice this week and will therefore miss the game this weekend. Depending on the severity of their injuries, both could be considered candidates for injured reserve if they would be out for an extended period of time.
Wright is expected to be replaced by James Mitchell, while Jacobs’ depth role could be taken over by another healthy scratch, such as Chase Lucas or Steven Gilmore.
Gardner-Johnson and Cabinda, as coach Dan Campbell hinted earlier in the day, will not be activated from injured reserve this week and will have two more weeks of practice before returning.
“Yeah, he’s looked good,” Campbell said of Gardner-Johnson. “He appears to be in good shape and moves well. So, it’s really just a matter of getting him some more practices to make sure he’s ready to go, that he’s comfortable, and that we don’t just throw him to the wolves, so. I mean, I don’t see him going this week, but he’s fine, he’s doing well.”
It’s important emphasizing that they can return at any moment during the two weeks if they’re in good health.
Doubtful
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
Barnes was injured in last week’s game against the Broncos, and while he was able to return, he has been a limited participant in practices all week. With the club on the road with a questionable designation, Barnes’ fate will most likely be revealed on Saturday afternoon.
If he is unable to go, it will almost certainly mean greater playing time for first-round pick Jack Campbell, as well as Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Not listed with an injury designation
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest)
- DT Levi Onwuzurike (knee)
The Lions’ starting offensive line will be reunited for the second week in a row, and they will be crucial against the Vikings’ inventive defense.
Vikings injury designations
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ injury designations (starters bolded):
Ruled OUT
- WR Jalen Nailor (concussion)
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring)
Questionable
- RB Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- RT Brian O’Neill (ankle)
- DL Jonathan Bullard (ankle)
- LB Ivan Pace (shoulder) — added to the injury report on Friday
- LB Jordan Hicks (shin – still technically on IR)
- DT Harrison Phillips (back)
Not listed with an injury designation
- DT Sheldon Day (ankle)
- EDGE Danielle Hunter (illness)
