Key Lions returns set to make a playoff push a lot easier (but not right away)
Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed have been sorely missed in the Detroit Lions' starting lineup. The Lions' pass rushing and secondary have suffered the most this season, although not to the detriment of the team's record. They're atop the NFC North at 6-3 ahead of Week 11, just waiting to get healthier ahead of a big December push.
The practice window was started for both Davenport and Reed ahead of the Lions' game against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning the team expects to get them back within the next 21 days. It's unlikely that they both play right away, but with a few key NFC games coming up for Detroit, it's better to let them get back up to speed before throwing them back out there against top competition.
Until then, Detroit continues to plug the holes left by the two defenders, and to some decent success.
Lions set to get back two key returns, likely ahead of Packers game
While it's unclear when either will be back on the field, Reed seems more than motivated to help out the Lions - especially since they will probably be without Terrion Arnold for Sunday Night Football.
"Me, I'm a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it, but if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset,"
Reed would be a huge addition to the Lions' secondary alongside Brian Branch, as it currently looks like the team is going to trot out their Legion of Whom against Philadelphia. While they are the most recent Super Bowl champions, the Eagles aren't the most formidable foe the Lions have coming up.
So, it would make sense if they decide to keep Reed and Davenport at bay until they're 100 percent ready to go against the Green Bay Packers, for example. That's the team's biggest November contest by far.
Davenport, on the other hand, could help to add back some firepower behind Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, and Tyler Lacy. They've been more than serviceable next to Aidan Hutchinson, but the Lions clearly still need someone to get after the quarterback at a higher rate aside from Hutchinson.
A healthy defense could be the difference maker for Detroit as they charge towards capturing the 1 seed. Without a pass rush attack and a shutdown secondary, the Lions will be far too reliant on an offense that lives and dies by their offensive line, another unhealthy and questionable part of their team.
Commanders new stadium update gives fans something to be excited about
The Washington Commanders' 2025 season couldn't be more of a dud. After the excitement of making it to the NFC Championship just a season ago, injuries have gotten the best of the Commanders. Those injuries are a major reason why they are currently on a five-game losing streak, sit at 3-7, and are well out of the playoff picture.
While much of the focus has been on trying to figure out how to fix things moving forward for the Commanders, news dropped that they have officially found and partnered with an architecture firm to lead the building of the team's new stadium at the old RFK Stadium grounds.
In a press release, the Commanders announced they have tabbed HKS as the lead architect for the next home of the franchise.
Dec 3, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images / Brad Mills-Imagn Images
It took many hoops to jump through for the Commanders to get to this point, but after receiving approval by the city, it was full steam ahead on bringing the team back to their rightful home in the Nation's Capital.
The partnership is expected to be a great marriage. The $2.7 billion investment in the District will be huge for the city, utilizing the 180 acres at the old RFK site to be transformed into a year-round event space for sports, entertainment, housing, and recreation.
HSK is a well-renowned architecture firm, bringing expertise in designing iconic venues such as SoFi Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, and AT&T Stadium (Jerry's World).
"Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District," said Mark Clouse, President, Washington Commanders. "HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact. This partnership underscores our shared vision to create a stadium that enhances the fan experience, strengthens our connection with the community, and sets a new standard for the future of sports and entertainment--delivering an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come."
It is a revolutionary period for the Commanders, and they are hopeful that HKS will help them achieve their goal of getting the franchise in their new stadium by the 2030 season.
