The Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 2 “Thursday Night Football” showdown, and Detroit has a few lingering offensive line concerns that may carry over to game time.
Let’s take a look at what we know and discuss what the Lions may need to do on Thursday.
Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.
Ruled OUT
- LG Christian Mahogany (hip)
- RT Blake Miller (knee)
Despite never missing a game in three years at Clemson, Miller will miss just his second NFL game with a knee injury that
flared up after his debut against the New Orleans Saints. Expect veteran Larry Borom to step in and play at right tackle. Borom started 11 games last year, all at right tackle.
After suffering an injury just 11 plays into Week 1, Mahogany was not able to recover in time for this week’s game. With him being ruled out, the Lions are expected to start Ben Bartch at left guard, who was in contention to start in Week 1 anyways. Additionally, Detroit is likely to elevate an offensive lineman—or sign one to their open spot on the 53-man roster—for this game to bring their position group total to eight. With eight offensive linemen available on game days, teams get an extra roster spot, bumping the total from 46 to 47 players available. The offensive linemen on their practice squad are Devin Cochran, Elijah Klein, and Seth McLaughlin.
Questionable
- CB D.J. Reed (foot)
Reed wasn’t on Monday’s estimated injury report, but he popped up on Tuesday with a limited practice. While neither Campbell nor Reed was available to the media before the game, it’s impossible to know how significant his injury is, however he was listed as “limited” Wednesday (instead of no practice), so that’s a decent sign. This could come down to a game-time decision.
Not listed with an injury designation
- C Juice Scruggs (knee)
- DB Christian Izien (groin)
Scruggs was limited this week, but the injury concerns around him were less than those around Mahogany and Miller. At this time, it looks like he’s expected to start at center against the Bills.
Izien was close to returning from injury in Week 1, but the Lions played it cautiously, and it looks like it will pay off, as he is expected to start at nickel in Week 2. Look for Roger McCreary—who started last week—to shift back into a reserve role.
Bills’ initial injury designations
Questionable:
- RB Ty Johnson (hamstring)
- DL T.J. Sanders (knee/illness)
- S Cole Bishop (knee/groin)
