The Detroit Lions' Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings was a costly one. On their way to deliver their NFC North rivals their first loss of the season, the Lions lost several key contributors to injuries.
Jack Campbell was obviously the big one. All eyes have been on the Lions' defensive captain all week. He has been gradually improving, much to the excitement of everyone in the organization and the fanbase. Every player and coach has expressed their desire to play for the 26-year-old linebacker this week.
Of course, he will not be out there. But he isn't the only Lions starter to miss the clash against the Dolphins on Sunday.
DJ Reed, DJ Wonnum, Cade Mays unlikely to play in Week 9
In fact, head coach Dan Campbell ruled out three more starters in his press conference on Friday. He said that he doesn't expect to see cornerback DJ Reed, defensive end DJ Wonnum, and center Cade Mays suiting up.
This is in line with the attendance at Friday's practice. Mays, Wonnum, and Reed were not seen at practice, according to team insider Jeremy Reisman. He also noted that Sione Vaki wasn't at practice, but his status is not in jeopardy right now. The final injury report later in the day should shed more light on his and the rest of the team's availability.
These are some very important absences. Reed has been playing as well as anyone in the NFL over the last couple of weeks. He has played a large role in Detroit's defensive turnaround, and the Lions will surely miss him on Sunday.
Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Khalil Dorsey will likely split the snaps on the outside. Roger McCreary will get the lion's share of snaps in the slot, but should see some action on the outside as well.
In Wonnum's place, Derrick Moore will step up. Tyler Lacy will also get more of an opportunity. Dan Campbell said that we could see Anthony Lucas earn some snaps in Wonnum's absence.
Mays' absence will not be felt as much, as the Lions have been playing very well with Juice Scruggs at center all season.
The good news is that Brian Branch is trending towards suiting up on Sunday. He was in concussion protocol with Wonnum after colliding with him in the Minnesota game. Campbell said that he was optimistic about Branch's chances of playing against the Dolphins.
Fortunately, with or without Branch, the Lions still have enough talent and depth to beat the 1-6 Dolphins on the road. Despite all these defensive injuries, the Lions should like their chances against one of the worst offenses in the league. Let's hope that the Lions can extend their winning streak to four games on Sunday.
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