The Detroit Lions have suffered a rash of injuries leading to Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but also caught a break with a late addition to the injury report for an opposing player.
The Chiefs added a starting offensive lineman to the injury report, putting his status in question for the matchup on Sunday Night Football. The Lions are looking to stay in front in the NFC North, facing a Chiefs team that is looking to get back on track after a shaky start to the season.
Chiefs at Risk of Losing Starting Tackle
As Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted, the Chiefs had a late addition to the injury report at a key position.
“The Chiefs have now listed starting left tackle Josh Simmons as questionable for the Week 6 game for personal reasons, which have not been disclosed,” Risdon wrote. “Simmons has played well as the Chiefs starter, taking over the role as a rookie. The Ohio State product was the final pick of the first round in April’s draft.”
As Risdon noted, the Chiefs would turn to Wanya Morris, who started 11 games last season, if Simmons is unable to play. The Chiefs have already struggled on offense, especially the rushing game, where quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been the most consistent rusher so far this season.
Lions Facing Their Own Injuries
The Lions have been hit hard by injuries so far this season, ruling out four players and listing six as questionable for Sunday’s game. Those not playing include running back Sione Vaki, linebacker Zach Cunningham, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who remains on the PUP list.
The Lions already placed two defensive backs on injured reserve, losing D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey for an extended stretch.
Benjamin Raven of MLive.com noted that the Lions appear to be getting healthier at the safety position, with both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch expected to play.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the team has dialed back on its nickel looks during all the changes in the secondary.
“You’re always going to probably lean back on that more than the other just to calm their world down a little bit,” Campbell said. “And because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that we’re all on the same page. And at least you can reduce that kind of stress by simplifying it a little bit.
“Now, the flipside of that is you can become a sitting duck if you’re not careful, but you have to weigh that. You have to weigh what means more to you versus that opponent. So, we’ll be ready.”
The Lions have also taken some hits to their offensive line, ruling out Taylor Decker with a shoulder injury and placing reserve Giovanni Manu on injured reserve. The Lions are expected to start Dan Skipper at left tackle and have also elevated offensive lineman Devin Cochran from the practice squad, providing some versatility and depth.
