The Detroit Lions are entering a crucial stretch of the season. They are playing their first divisional game on Sunday against the 4-2 Green Bay Packers, followed by a Week 8 clash against the undefeated Vikings. Back-to-back home wins against NFC North opponents would give the Lions the boost they need before the second half of the season. Two losses in these games would have the Lions facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
That is why the bye week couldn't have come at a better time for Detroit. After being the worst defense in the league in the first four weeks of the season, the Lions bounced back against the Cardinals and entered the bye week with a ton of momentum.
It also allowed the Lions to get healthy. In fact, the Lions are healthier than they have been all season, ahead of the Packers clash.
Lions have gotten healthy at the perfect time
Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News reported on Tuesday that every player from the Lions' active roster and practice squad was present at practice. He noted that even cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who was expected to miss time with a hamstring injury, was practicing.
This is a huge development for a team that has had several key players sidelined all season. The biggest news is that center Cade Mays and star safety Brian Branch will be available on Sunday.
Dan Campbell already revealed that Mays will get the start over Juice Scruggs. He also said that even though Branch may not get his usual share of snaps, he will feature extensively next to Chuck Clark and Keith Abney. Branch's return will hopefully give the Lions' defensive backfield the boost they need to turn things around.
This isn't to say that the Lions don't have any injury concerns. They lost veterans Devin White and Tom Kennedy to long-term injuries in Week 5. They are looking for a return specialist to take over Kennedy's role. Isiah Pacheco is still sidelined, and whether Kerby Joseph will be able to return this season remains to be seen.
This gives the Lions the edge over the Packers in terms of injuries. Green Bay is still missing several key players, including Micah Parsons. But they are also coming off three consecutive wins, including their two best performances of the season.
The Lions have four home games and the Germany game over the next six weeks. Their only road game will be against the winless Dolphins in Week 9. This is as good a situation as you can have in the NFL in terms of health and schedule. Starting this stretch with a win over your biggest rivals would be the perfect start.
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