Three players are ruled out and three are questionable for the playoff game against the Lions and Commanders.
Overview
The playoff matchups between the Lions and the Commanders are some of the most highly anticipated games in the NFL postseason this year. As with any playoff game, the stakes are high, and the pressure on players and teams is immense. However, as is often the case in the NFL, injuries can significantly alter the course of these games. Heading into the game, both teams have key players either ruled out or listed as questionable, and their availability could have a significant impact on the outcome.
In this article, we will discuss the impact of these injuries, the players affected, and the possible outcomes for both the Lions and the Commanders, depending on how these injury situations unfold.
Lions: Injuries and Player Impact
For the Detroit Lions, who are making a return to the playoffs after several years, the focus will be on whether or not their key players can recover in time to contribute significantly in this high-stakes game. Three players have been ruled out, and three others are listed as questionable. Let’s take a look at the individuals involved and how their statuses could impact the team’s performance.
Players Ruled Out
1. Jared Goff (Quarterback) While Jared Goff has had a strong season as the starting quarterback for the Lions, he has been dealing with a lingering injury that has left his status uncertain for the game. The coaching staff has already ruled him out for this matchup, which means the Lions will have to turn to backup quarterback David Blough, who will now take on the monumental task of guiding the team through a playoff game.
Goff has been the engine for the Lions’ offense this season, leading them to an impressive number of victories with his ability to connect on deep throws and maintain offensive balance. His absence will put immense pressure on Blough to perform, and the team may rely more on the running game to take some of the burden off the backup quarterback.
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver) Amon-Ra St. Brown has become one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, known for his exceptional route-running and ability to gain separation. His absence could be a significant blow to the Lions’ offense. Without St. Brown, Detroit’s passing game could lack its top weapon, and opposing defenses would likely focus more on shutting down the other receivers.
The team may look to other receivers such as Josh Reynolds and Marvin Jones Jr. to step up, but St. Brown’s versatility in the slot and his ability to make big plays in clutch moments will be sorely missed. The Lions will need to be creative in their passing attack to overcome his absence.
3. Frank Ragnow (Center) Frank Ragnow is one of the top centers in the league and a critical part of the Lions’ offensive line. His leadership and ability to anchor the middle of the line are essential for both the passing and running games. Without Ragnow, the Lions will be forced to shuffle their offensive line, which could lead to communication breakdowns and protection issues for Blough.
Ragnow’s injury could also have a ripple effect on the running game, particularly with a player like Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. The Lions’ ability to generate consistent push in the running game could be compromised, forcing them into more predictable passing situations. This could lead to more pressure on Blough to execute under duress.
Players Listed as Questionable
1. David Montgomery (Running Back) David Montgomery has been a strong contributor to the Lions’ running game this season. His bruising running style, combined with his ability to break tackles and churn out yards after contact, makes him an ideal weapon in short-yardage situations. Montgomery’s status is crucial for Detroit’s offensive game plan, as the team will likely rely heavily on their running backs to control the tempo and reduce the burden on Blough.
If Montgomery is unable to play or is limited, the Lions will have to lean more on Gibbs, who has shown flashes of greatness but is still a rookie. Gibbs is more of a dynamic, explosive player, but Montgomery brings the physicality needed to wear down the opposing defense.
2. Penei Sewell (Offensive Tackle) Penei Sewell has been one of the best young offensive linemen in the league and is a key part of the Lions’ ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. The Lions cannot afford to lose Sewell, especially with a backup quarterback starting the game. If he is not available, Blough could face an even tougher challenge in terms of protection, and the running game could be significantly impacted.
3. Jared Davis (Linebacker) Jared Davis plays an important role in the Lions’ linebacker corps, and his ability to stop the run and cover passing lanes in the middle of the field is crucial. The Lions will need to be able to contain the Commanders’ potent running attack, and Davis’ absence could leave a void in the middle of the defense. If Davis is unable to play, the Lions may need to rely more on their depth players to fill the void, but this could lead to vulnerabilities in the defense.
Commanders: Injuries and Player Impact
On the other side of the field, the Washington Commanders also have significant injury concerns heading into the game. With three players ruled out and three listed as questionable, the team will have to navigate these challenges carefully if they are to come out on top in their playoff matchup.
Players Ruled Out
1. Chase Young (Defensive End) Chase Young is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, and his absence is a big blow to the Commanders’ defense. Young has been instrumental in Washington’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, and without him, the Commanders will lose some of their edge rush strength. This could give the Lions more time to execute in the passing game, even with Blough at quarterback.
Young’s absence also puts more pressure on the rest of the defensive line, including Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen, to generate pressure. The Lions may have more opportunities to run the ball without Young collapsing the pocket from the edge.
2. Terry McLaurin (Wide Receiver) Terry McLaurin is one of the top wide receivers in the league, and his ability to stretch the field and create separation makes him a key player for the Commanders’ offense. McLaurin is a big-play threat and is often the target in crucial moments. Without him, Washington’s passing game could be significantly hampered, as other receivers may not have the same ability to draw coverage and make game-changing plays.
The Commanders will have to rely on players like Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel to step up, but without McLaurin, the offense might lack the vertical threat necessary to stretch the Lions’ defense. This could also impact quarterback Sam Howell, who might find it harder to establish a rhythm without his top weapon.
3. Kendall Fuller (Cornerback) Kendall Fuller is the top cornerback for the Commanders and is known for his ability to shut down top receivers. His absence would leave a major hole in Washington’s secondary, which could allow the Lions to take advantage in the passing game. With Amon-Ra St. Brown ruled out, the Lions might not have as potent an offensive threat, but players like Reynolds and Jones could see increased opportunities if Fuller is unable to play.
Players Listed as Questionable
1. Sam Howell (Quarterback) Quarterback Sam Howell has had an up-and-down season, but his ability to make plays with his arm and legs has been a key factor in Washington’s success. Howell’s questionable status is a significant concern, as backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett does not offer the same dynamic playmaking ability. If Howell cannot play, the Commanders will likely turn to Brissett to lead the offense.
Brissett is a competent starter, but he lacks the upside that Howell provides in terms of mobility and arm strength. This could impact Washington’s ability to open up the offense, particularly in the passing game. Brissett may also struggle to generate the same chemistry with his receivers, which could make it difficult for the Commanders to sustain drives and put points on the board.
2. Daron Payne (Defensive Tackle) Daron Payne has been one of the top interior defensive linemen for Washington, and his ability to disrupt the opposing offense both in the running and passing game has been a key part of the Commanders’ defensive success. If Payne is unable to play or is limited, the Lions’ offensive line might have more room to operate, and their running backs could find more success between the tackles.
3. Logan Thomas (Tight End) Logan Thomas is a key receiving target for the Commanders, especially in the red zone. His size and ability to make contested catches give Washington a valuable weapon in the middle of the field. If Thomas is unable to play, the Commanders could struggle to move the chains on third down and in short-yardage situations. Backup tight ends will need to step up, but Thomas is a difficult player to replace.
