The Detroit Lions and New York Jets have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 3 matchup at Ford Field, and while the Lions have three starting offensive linemen on the injury list, all three are expected to play on Sunday.
Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.
Ruled OUT
- G Ben Bartch (foot)
- S Thomas Harper (ankle)
Bartch unexpectedly showed up on the injury report Wednesday, couldn’t practice all week, and has been ruled out. Fortunately, Lions coach Dan Campbell told the media that he doesn’t believe the injury is
long-term. The Lions signed center Seth McLaughlin off their practice squad earlier this week, so even with Bartch unavailable, they’ll still have eight healthy offensive linemen and will qualify for the roster bonus on game day.
Harper was seen wearing a walking boot earlier in the week, and while he was hopeful that staying off the ankle would help him heal quickly, he couldn’t practice all week and has been ruled out. With Harper out and Avonte Maddox placed on injured reserve, the Lions will shift defensive back Christian Izien from his starting nickel role to a starting safety role opposite Chuck Clark. Look for Roger McCreary to start at nickel, and for the Lions to explore several options at reserve safety, including practice squad veteran Jalen Mills, rookie corner Keith Abney, and newly signed rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald.
No injury designation
- LG Christian Mahogany (hip)
- RT Blake Miller (knee)
- RG Tate Ratledge (elbow)
- DT Alim McNeill (personal)
- EDGE Ahmed Hassanein (illness)
- LS Hogan Hatten (wrist)
All players in this section have improved enough this week that they do not require an injury designation for this game.
After missing last week’s game, both Mahogany and Miller are expected to return to the starting lineup in Week 3, per Campbell on Friday:
“Yeah, I think both of those guys are going to be OK, barring no setbacks today.”
With Ratledge also expected to start, the Lions should be able to field their preferred starting offensive line, save center Cade Mays.
Jets’ injury designations
While we wait for the Jets designations, here is a reminder of their Thursday report:
Did not practice on Thursday:
- RB Kene Nwangwu (back)
- TE Mason Taylor (thumb) — not expected to play this week
- LB Francisco Mauigoa (quad)
- SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin)
Limited Thursday:
- EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot)
- WR Adonai Mitchell (finger) — New injury on Thursday
Practiced in full on Thursday:
- EDGE David Bailey (elbow)
