The Detroit Lions are staring down a rough situation heading into Thursday Night Football’s Week 2 airing: their first-round offensive tackle, Blake Miller, didn’t practice on Wednesday. This isn’t just a regular ding; it’s a major red flag for a team facing a quick turnaround and a tough opponent. Miller played 77 snaps in Week 1, only allowing one pressure, so his absence from practice is a huge deal for the Lions’ offensive line.
Bills’ Bumps and Backfield Battles Before TNF
The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, are looking “fairly healthy” after their trip to Houston, but a short week means not much time to heal those bumps and bruises before squaring off against Detroit. Monday’s estimated practice report, for a day they mostly spent on film work and recovery, showed some key guys in limited action. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf), running back Ty Johnson (hamstring), and defensive lineman T.J. Sanders (knee) were all listed as limited. The good news? Safety Cole Bishop (knee/groin), outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (thumb), and defensive back Jordan Hancock (quad) were all full participants. Plus, DJ Moore’s quick trip to the medical tent and Josh Allen’s temporary hand discomfort from Sunday didn’t amount to anything, which is a relief for Bills fans. The big question for Buffalo’s offense is how their backfield shapes up. If Ty Johnson returns this week, what does that mean for second-year running back Frank Gore, Jr.? He got called up from the practice squad Sunday and out-snapped Ray Davis on offense, taking 10 snaps to Davis’s 5. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. seemed content using Gore, Jr. in a blocking role. On defense, if Bernard can’t go, Shaq Thompson could get the call up from the practice squad.
Lions’ O-Line Nightmare Before Kickoff
Detroit’s injury report is short, but boy, is it “inconveniently concentrated.” The biggest worry is definitely that offensive line. Besides Miller not practicing, starting center Juice Scruggs was limited, and offensive guard Christian Mahogany also sat out. Scruggs also played all 77 offensive snaps in Detroit’s Week 1 victory. Losing two starters and a first-round pick from practice for a short week game is brutal. Miller was a first-round pick out of Clemson, and he proved his worth immediately. If he can’t suit up, veteran Larry Borom is the Lions’ swing tackle. This O-line trouble against a Bills defense that’s had a few more days to get ready could be a massive problem.
Thursday Night Football is going to be a real test, especially for Detroit’s banged-up offensive line. Can the Lions overcome these key absences up front, or will Buffalo’s defense capitalize on the short week and the Lions’ concentrated injury report?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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