Detroit Lions injury report: Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions have ruled out Jamal Agnew and Dwayne Washington for Thanksgiving Day, while Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Ezekiel Ansah are questionable.
The Detroit Lions will face off with the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving Day in a critical division showdown. Two players have been ruled out, while two other key players are questionable.
STATUS: OUT
KR/PR/WR/RB/CB Jamal Agnew
Jamal Agnew (knee) suffered his injury last week against the Chicago Bears. Though he does not believe the injury is serious, it will prevent the rookie from playing in his first Thanksgiving Day game.
Given the short window of recovery time this week, Agnew was unable to practice.
For the Lions, not only does it leave them without the league’s best punt returner, but it also leaves them without a player who has formed a niche in the offensive playbook.
Jim Bob Cooter has dialed up several plays in the last two weeks for the speedy Agnew, adding some unpredictability to a budding offensive attack. The Lions will have to make up for his absence by finding other mismatches. A heavy dose of Theo Riddick would be the obvious choice, but he continues to be underused on a weekly basis.
Head coach Jim Caldwell, who typically offers no insight into contingencies, stated that TJ Jones and Golden Tate will handle punt returning duties, while Ameer Abdullah will take care of kick returns.
RB Dwayne Washington
The Lions’ will once again be without second-year running back Dwayne Washington (hip), who was unable to practice this week.
Zach Zenner will suit up in his place, and hopefully will be able to aid in pass protection against an aggressive Vikings defense.
STATUS: QUESTIONABLE
DE Ezekiel Ansah
There is at least a glimmer of hope for Ziggy Ansah (back), who was limited this week after missing two straight weeks of practice altogether.
The Lions could use their top defensive end to at least set the edge and aid in the team’s suddenly porous run defense. Oh, and pressuring the quarterback would be an added bonus, considering rookie cornerback Teez Tabor led the team in pressures last week.
The team did claim Dwight Freeney off waivers on Wednesday afternoon, and there is at least a microscopic possibility that he may be available against the Vikings.
Rod Wood on @wjrradio when asked about Freeney: “We thought this was an opportunity to pick up a great player. We’ll see if he gets here and whether he can play tomorrow or not. If not, he’ll certainly help us down the road."
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 22, 2017
If available, the Lions could rotate Freeney in on obvious passing situations. Considering their lack of depth at the position, Freeney could have an immediate role and impact.
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
This may be the week that Jalen Reeves-Maybin (ankle) finally returns after a two-game absence.
For the second straight week, the rookie linebacker practiced fully. Though that is reason enough to believe he will be available on Thanksgiving Day, he practiced fully last week and was declared inactive on Sunday.
His increased role on defense as well as his impact were noted last week and, if active, will be a valuable asset against the Vikings.
Next: Why Turkey Day could go either way for Lions
VIKINGS INJURIES
The Vikings are healthy entering Thanksgiving Day.
Three players – T Mike Remmers (concussion), DE Brian Robison (lower back), and S Andrew Sendejo (groin/hamstring) – are questionable but practiced fully on Wednesday and expected to play.