For the Detroit Lions who are mathematically at >99% to make the playoffs, the balance of playing vs resting players is rightfully getting nudged towards the side that helps with playoff performance.
With an 8-1 record, the Lions have earned the opportunity to rest minor playable injuries and employ selective load management. That strategy may have been a factor in the decision to sideline Taylor Decker last week and Sam LaPorta this week. There is still the extremely valuable #1 seed bye up for grabs so keeping the foot on the regular season gas does have playoff benefits.
The Jaguars are on the opposite side of the mathematical spectrum with a <1% chance of making the playoffs. But they may end up with the same answers as the Lions to the “play vs rest” question.
While the Lions are focusing on the 2025 playoffs, the Jaguars are focusing on the 2026 playoffs. Key long-term players like Trevor Lawrence, who is considering season-ending AC joint surgery, may decide to sacrifice the present for a better future.
During the week, the Lions had a new minor injury to Carlton Davis who broke his thumb, and an upgrade with Taylor Decker’s shoulder. Overall, the Lions active roster is in good health.
The Jaguars have multiple offensive skill players dealing with injuries including their #1 QB, #1 RB, and #1-3 WR’s. The team’s injury report is lengthy with many limited practices, but most of the players will be in.
DETROIT LIONS
Carlton Davis CB (hand UL LP FP – In)
Davis said he broke his thumb in practice but will play through with a cast. No concerns here, but a repeat 2-interception performance will be more challenging.
Ben Niemann LB (ankle UL UL NP – Questionable)
Presumably, Niemann hurt his ankle in practice. An NP on Friday means he’s likely out on Sunday. He played 19% of defensive snaps last game which was 4th amongst linebackers.
Sam LaPorta TE (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)
LaPorta suffered a left AC joint sprain last game which Dan Campbell has called “day-to-day”. Letting him rest is a good idea not just for the AC joint but in case of any residuals from his previous injuries this year:
• hamstring (preseason)
• right low ankle sprain (week 3)
• possible right knee hyperextension (week 7)
Taylor Decker OT (shoulder LP FP FP – In)
Decker suffered a rotator cuff strain in practice last week and missed the last game. Good news that it is minor and he’ll be playing on Sunday.
Malcolm Rodriguez LB (ankle LP FP FP – In)
After missing two games with a left ankle sprain, Rodriguez is ready to go.
Brodric Martin DT (knee FP FP FP – Out)
After a right knee hyperextension in preseason, Martin had his 21-day practice window opened on October 30. Expect him to be moved to the active roster next week by November 20.
Ifeatu Melifonwu S (ankle/finger FP LP NP – Out)
The downgrade is a concern. Hopefully, it is only related to the finger injury and not an aggravation of a suspected Achilles tendonitis. Defensive backs can play through finger dislocations or fractures (see Carlton Davis) so the finger shouldn’t impact his timeline.
Melifonwu’s practice window opened November 6 which means he should move to the active roster by November 27, the day before Thanksgiving.
Emmanuel Moseley CB (pec FP FP FP – Out)
Recovering from his torn pec in August, Moseley’s 21-day practice window opened November 6. Like Melifonwu, Moseley should move to the active roster before Thanksgiving.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Trevor Lawrence QB (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)
A left, non-throwing, AC joint sprain will keep the Jaguars’ starting QB out for a second straight game. He may even decide to call it a season and get AC joint surgery. Mac Jones, who was 14/22 for 111 yards last week in a 12-7 loss to the Vikings, will start again.
Tank Bigsby RB (ankle NP NP NP – Out)
The Jaguars #1 RB with 519 yards has been dealing with an ankle issue for 2-3 weeks and aggravated it last game. Expect Travis Etienne, who has 298 yards, to get the bulk of the carries.
Maason Smith DT (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)
This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last four games.
Keilan Robinson RB (toe FP FP FP – Questionable)
With 3x FP, this 5th-round rookie should be available, but he has yet to play this year.
Ezra Cleveland LG (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)
This starting LG missed the last two games but might be ready to return this Sunday.
Brian Thomas WR (chest LP LP LP – In)
The Jaguars #1 WR with 607 yards hurt his ribs two weeks ago but has been playing through. He only had 2 catches for 12 yards last game though.
Gabe Davis WR (shoulder LP LP LP – In)
Davis hurt his shoulder three weeks ago but did return to play last week with 1 catch for 19 yards. He is the team’s 4th-leading receiver with 236 yards on the year.
Josh Hines-Allen DE (shoulder LP LP LP – In)
This star pass-rusher has five sacks on the year.
Blake Hance OL (knee LP LP LP – In)
Hance started last game at LG and may start again if Ezra Cleveland can’t go.
Brandon Scherff RG (knee LP LP LP – In)
This starting RG has not missed a game this year.
D’Ernest Johnson RB (hamstring LP LP LP – In)
Johnson is 3rd on the team with 114 rushing yards this year.
Tyson Campbell CB (shoulder LP LP LP – In)
Campbell missed a few games with a hamstring earlier in the year but has started the last four games.
Daniel Thomas S (hamstring LP LP LP – In)
This backup has not played a defensive snap the past four games.
NOTABLES
Christian Kirk, the Jaguars 2nd-leading WR, was placed on IR two weeks ago with a broken clavicle.
