Matthew Stafford out for the third straight game. So the Lions will go with Jeff Driskel against Washington. Stafford said earlier this week he wants to return this season when he's healthy but wouldn't give much information about what, exactly, is going on with his back. After Washington, Detroit plays Chicago on Thanksgiving on Thursday.
It's probably not time for a change in Detroit, but the next few weeks could prove if Patricia and Bob Quinn can really do this rebuild.
With Rick Wagner back, the Lions have waived OT Dan Skipper. Still a beat-up injury report.
Best on intermediate throws. Best when targeting slot wide receivers. Even the best on designed rollouts. And more.
The injury bug has not spared anyone this season. Get the latest scoop from inside NFL locker rooms on who's in and who's out this week.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said Wednesday that it's important to him to be able to return this season from a back injury that ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week could take up to six weeks to heal.
Long list of no practice players for the Lions — but RT Rick Wagner is back to limited coming off a concussion.
The Lions have activated DE Austin Bryant, the team's fourth-round pick this year, from injured reserve. They've also placed fullback Nick Bawden on injured reserve. It's the second straight year Bawden will be on IR -- last year for a torn ACL. Bawden was questionable Sunday with a foot injury but played against Dallas. Without Bawden, the Lions will probably look to an offensive lineman when they need a fullback. Last year it was Joe Dahl. He's now a starting guard.
Matthew Stafford in the same situation as last Wednesday, according to Matt Patricia. In other words, he'll be out at practice, but not practicing. Continues to be worth monitoring for the Lions quarterback.
Matt Patricia said "we have some good players in that room" and that they all have roles when asked about Jesse James' role this year. The Lions gave Jesse James a good contract in free agency (four years, $22.6 million, $10.5 million of it guaranteed) but he has barely been used as a pass-catcher this season, eight catches for 64 yards.
From unsung defensive heroes to overlooked offensive weapons, we look at the most underrated players while ranking each team.
Double team rate as an edge rusher (x) by pass rush win rate as an edge rusher (y). Robert Quinn, Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, DeMarcus Lawrence and Za'Darius Smith stand out for their ability to consistently win despite being double-teamed frequently. Pass rush win rate is the rate at which a defender beats his pass blocker within 2.5 seconds of the snap. It is an ESPN metric that uses NFL Next Gen Stats data.
Matt Patricia said "there's nothing that would give me any indication that they're not," when asked whether or not his players are still buying into his message defensively this season. Said they just had another good meeting today. The Lions are on pace for their worst defense in recent history -- even worse, yardage-wise, than the defense during the winless 2008 season.
Detroit can't consistently stop anyone. The Lions' defense gives up big plays and doesn't provide the offense any help. That might do in their season.
Lions defensive end Trey Flowers is in the concussion protocol after Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, and center Frank Ragnow is being evaluated for a concussion.
Another week, same old problems for the Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia, asked about the quarterback situation going forward, said they are going to go through the game and make decisions as they go. Detroit is 3-6-1 and starter Matthew Stafford is out with a back injury.
Following their third straight loss, the Lions' defense can't stop the charging Cowboys, allowing for 434 passing yards.
Lions returner Jamal Agnew said he got rolled up on a little bit and had tape on his left ankle after the game but seemed to be moving well in the locker room with just a slight hesitation to his gait. He was back on the sidelines so that'll be something to monitor.
Lions DE Trey Flowers is in concussion protocol, according to a Lions official. Being in protocol means he can't talk after games.
Three teams this season have gone with an unconventional 2-point conversion attempt. Here's why they made the right call.
Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards and three touchdowns, lifting the Dallas Cowboys to a 35-27 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards and three touchdowns, lifting the Dallas Cowboys to a 35-27 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Another week and another loss for the Detroit Lions that can be pinned on the defense. Even though the Lions did well against Ezekiel Elliott (45 yards rushing) in a 35-27 loss to Dallas, Detroit let Dak Prescott slice its secondary to where even when the Lions cut it to one possession, it never seemed like they had a true shot in the game. The offense did what it had to despite top players being missing. But this defense isn't getting better -- it is somehow getting worse by the week.
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(8) | T.J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa |
| 2(11) | Jahlani Tavai | ILB | Hawai'i' |
| 3(17) | Will Harris | S | Boston College |
| 4(15) | Austin Bryant | DE | Clemson |
| 5(8) | Amani Oruwariye | CB | Penn State |
| 6(11) | Travis Fulgham | WR | Old Dominion |
| 6(13) | Ty Johnson | RB | Maryland |
| 7(10) | Isaac Nauta | TE | Georgia |
| 7(15) | PJ Johnson | DT | Arizona |
