If there’s anything we’ve learned from the Detroit Lions’ past few seasons, it’s that a team’s success is not just reliant on their starting players. With all the injuries that take place in any given season, depth is critically important for all 32 teams, and it can sometimes be the difference between a crucial win and a devastating loss.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has done his best within limited parameters to ensure that if the injury bug hits the Lions again in 2026, they’ll be covered
by players who they trust to go out there and get the job done.
So today’s Question of the Day—borrowed from our friends at Turf Show Times—is:
Who is the Lions’ most important non-starting player?
My answer: Well, I’d first look to non-starters who are expected to get playing time. There, you could look at running back Isiah Pacheco, tight end Brock Wright, and several players along the defensive line. It’s unclear right now who will start opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but it’s likely that D.J. Wonnum, Derrick Moore, Payton Turner, and Ahmed Hassanein will all play roles this year.
Out of that group, I’m not entirely sure if anyone stands out above the rest. However, I do think there are a couple of critically important players in reserve roles for the team.
For example, I think Rock Ya-Sin is extremely important insurance to have behind presumed starters D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold. Last year, both starters missed significant time to injury, and Ya-Sin came in and gave the team solid play at the cornerback position. Given the high injury rate of cornerback, Ya-Sin is more likely than not to get on the field again this year.
Similarly, the reserves at safety are a huge help to an unsure future at the position. While Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are the technical starters this year, there’s a very realistic possibility both players will be sidelined for Week 1 due to their long-term injuries. Despite just joining the team a few months ago, Chuck Clark is a veteran presence and a leader in that room that is clearly trustworthy to start. Christian Izien is an up-and-coming player that could see playing time early this season, as well.
Which Lions backup or rotational player do you think is most important to the Lions’ success? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
