The Detroit Lions have had their share of injuries this season, but lucky for them, that happened early on. The past few weeks the Lions have been the healthiest they have been this season, and that will continue into their Week 15 matchup with the New York Jets.
Typically, in a Week 15 matchup both teams are dealing with injuries and guys that are pretty banged up. That’s not the case for the Lions. They are facing a tiny bit of an illness bug, but other than that, they have most of their guys back from injuries. Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson spoke on Thursday about what having these guys does for their offensive tool belt.
“Yeah, we try to you point mix it up as much as we can. Get all of our guys involved, each game plan, you never know exactly where the ball’s going to go, but try to get guys to do what they do best and if the defense gives it to us we’ll take it. So, certainly I do think it makes us more dangerous that they can’t key on just one specific skill guy right now.”
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has had to be pretty selective with the ball with the injuries they dealt with early on in the season. Now, with all the healthy teammates he has, he says he has several more options.
“Yeah, we’ve got some guys healthy. I was joking about it the other day, I think we had nine or 10 receivers out there healthy, and there were times this year when we had three or four, so getting those guys back healthy has been awesome to see, and obviously, awesome for me, but awesome for our whole offense and our team and for those guys personally.”
Injury Update
As of right now, G Kayode Awosika and LB Derrick Barnes are the only two players listed as out for Sunday’s game with ankle and knee injuries. DL Michael Brockers is listed as doubtful with an illness. CB Mike Hughes and DL Aidan Hutchinson were also hit by the illness bug and are listed as questionable. However, Hutchinson did practice on Friday and told the media after practice that he was ready to go for Sunday. FB Jason Cabinda is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, and C Frank Ragnow is listed as questionable with a foot injury, but he is expected to play.
Today’s #Lions Practice Report with Game Designations for Sunday: pic.twitter.com/E3s6ecZtXr
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 16, 2022
Zach Wilson to Start for the Jets
The New York Jets are facing their share of injuries as well. Most notably, quarterback Mike White. White was not able to be cleared after suffering multiple consecutive rib fractures last week against the Bills. The quarterback said he tried almost 10 doctors, and none of them would give him the green light. With that being said, Zach Wilson will be starting in the quarterback position for the Jets.
Kick-off on Sunday at MetLife Stadium is set for 1pm ET.
Picture: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Maddy Miller – Detroit Lions Beat Reporter
On Twitter: @madelynvmillerr
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