The Detroit Lions are once again dealing with a significant list of injuries heading into Week 15. Despite their impressive season, the number of injuries they’ve had to overcome hasn’t received enough national attention. The defensive side of the ball, in particular, has been hit hard, with the defensive line facing numerous setbacks.
Currently sidelined are defensive linemen Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, Josh Paschal, and Levi Onwuzurike, all of whom are under observation ahead of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Paschal (knee), Reader (shoulder), and Onwuzurike (hamstring) missed last week’s game entirely. McNeill (concussion) sustained an injury during the Week 14 contest against the Green Bay Packers, returned briefly, but had to exit again.
Lions Injury Updates
Thursday Update: According to the Lions’ injury report, McNeill and Taylor Decker were full participants in practice, while Paschal and Reader were upgraded to full and limited participation, respectively. Onwuzurike remained limited for the second day in a row.
As things stand, McNeill, Decker, and Paschal appear to be on track to play. Reader and Onwuzurike also seem to be trending positively, but Friday’s practice will provide further clarity.
Earlier in the week, Reader did not practice, while Onwuzurike and Paschal were limited. Both Decker and McNeill were full participants. Per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, Reader was seen working on the side with trainers.
Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, indicated via Pride of Detroit that Reader and Onwuzurike are expected to practice on Friday, with McNeill set to return on Wednesday. Paschal may also get some work in on Wednesday.
Any level of participation from Reader, Onwuzurike, and Paschal in the coming days would be an encouraging sign, given that none of them practiced last week. McNeill’s early-week participation is a strong indicator of his availability against the Bills.
Another name to monitor is left tackle Taylor Decker, who has missed the last two games. Campbell expressed optimism about Decker’s status earlier in the week, saying Monday that he’s “feeling better” about his potential return.
The Lions’ first official injury report of the week is expected Wednesday, which will offer a clearer picture of everyone’s status.
