Detroit Lions injury report: Week 4 at Minnesota Vikings
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions released an extensive injury report ahead of their divisional showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Two players are ruled out, while the status of several others is up in the air.
STATUS: OUT
RB Dwayne Washington
Dwayne Washington continues to heal from a quad injury from a couple of weeks ago, and was unable to participate in practice at all this week. Expect Zach Zenner to suit up in his place on Sunday.
G Zac Kerin
The Detroit Lions will be without the services of guard Zac Kerin (knee), who was forced into a starting role last week due to other injuries along the offensive line. Kerin, after getting in a limited practice on Thursday, did not practice on Friday.
The absence of Kerin is a major concern for the Lions, who will be on the road against a divisional foe that, as ESPN’s Michael Rothstein notes, knows how to dial up the pressure. Kerin’s replacement is most likely to be Graham Glasgow, whose availability at guard rests solely on the status of Travis Swanson.
STATUS: QUESTIONABLE
C Travis Swanson
Speaking of Swanson (ankle), the starting center was able to register a full practice on Thursday and Friday. This is a marked improvement from last week, where he missed each day of practice and was subsequently inactive against the Atlanta Falcons.
If Swanson is unable to play, as Kyle Meinke notes, the Lions could have to do some serious shuffling along the offensive line:
"That means if Swanson can’t go, the Lions will have no choice but to start Glasgow at center again and then play Tim Lelito at left guard. That’d be a tough assignment for Lelito, who would be facing one of the league’s best and most creative defensive fronts just days after signing with Detroit."
WR Kenny Golladay
Rookie Kenny Golladay (hamstring), who has cooled off after a sensational NFL debut in week 1, is in danger of missing Sunday’s game against the Vikings. The wideout, following a limited session on Wednesday, missed practice the rest of the week with the ailment.
Veteran T.J. Jones, who has made some clutch catches for the Lions in recent weeks, would start in his stead on Sunday. Even if Golladay does suit up, Jones figures to have a significant role given the rookie’s recent struggles and the continued plight of Eric Ebron.
LB Jarrad Davis
A key cog in the Lions defense, Davis’ (concussion/neck) availability is trending up. He returned to practice this week, albeit in a limited fashion, a positive sign that he is at least moving forward in the concussion protocol. He will most likely be a game-time decision.
To paraphrase Jim Caldwell, check the inactives.
Other Notables
Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (knee), special teams ace Don Carey (knee), and safety Tavon Wilson (shoulder), are also listed as questionable.
Ansah and Carey turned in limited practices on Thursday and Friday, while Wilson finished the week with a full session after being limited the previous two days. If Wilson is unable to go for the second consecutive week, Miles Killebrew will start in his place.
Next: Lions offense not who we thought they were
Vikings Injuries
For the Vikings, quarterback Sam Bradford (knee) will miss yet another week of action, ceding the starting duties to backup Case Keenum. Tackle Rashod Hill (knee) is also questionable.