Battle of the Bench: Injured Lions vs. Benched Raiders

Lions Face Challenges with Inactive Players Against the Raiders

Offensive Line Injuries Pose a Threat

The Detroit Lions have shown great offensive success this season, largely due to the impressive performance of their offensive line. However, in their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Ford Field, they will be faced with the absence of key players in their offensive line. Left guard Jonah Jackson will be sidelined with an ankle injury, while center Frank Ragnow will miss the game due to a toe/calf injury. Ragnow, who has been an integral part of the Lions‘ success this season, will be absent from the field for the first time this year.

The Lions will rely on veteran Graham Glasgow to fill in at center. Glasgow’s versatility and experience playing multiple positions make him a reliable option for the team. Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Glasgow’s ability to step in and perform at center, highlighting the importance of his presence in the lineup.

Backup Options at Guard

With Glasgow moving to center, one starting guard spot remains open. The Lions have several options to fill this gap, including Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal, Dan Skipper, and recently elevated practice squad player Michael Niese. The coaching staff will need to carefully assess these choices and determine the best fit for the game against the Raiders.

St. Brown’s Illness a Concern

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, a standout player for the Lions this season, has been listed as questionable for the game due to an illness. Despite this setback, St. Brown has been a critical component of the Lions‘ offense, leading the team in catches, targets, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. His availability for the game will greatly impact the Lions‘ offensive capabilities and their ability to compete effectively against the Raiders.

Running Back Situation

The Lions will once again be without running back David Montgomery, who continues to recover from a rib injury. This absence provides an opportunity for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who will make his third career start. Gibbs has shown promise throughout the season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and displaying versatility with 23 receptions. His performance will be crucial in establishing the Lions‘ ground game against the Raiders.

Defensive Line Adjustments

Defensively, the Lions will be missing Isaiah Buggs and Levi Onwuzurike, who are both healthy scratches for the game. This creates an opportunity for rookie third-round pick Brodric Martin to make his NFL debut. Martin, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound defensive lineman out of Western Kentucky, brings a formidable presence to the Lions‘ defensive line, and his contribution will be essential in containing the Raiders‘ offensive threats.

Conclusion: Adjustments and Adaptability

The Lions face a significant challenge with several key players being inactive for their game against the Raiders. However, the team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the season. The coaching staff will need to make strategic decisions regarding the offensive line and utilize the available backup options effectively.

Furthermore, the performance of players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs will be instrumental in maintaining offensive momentum. Defensively, the debut of Brodric Martin could provide an unexpected boost and a formidable presence on the field.

As the game unfolds, the Lions must be prepared to make timely adjustments and capitalize on their strengths to compete against the Raiders. Their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances will be crucial in their pursuit of success on the football field.