The Detroit Lions are rolling into Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field this Sunday practically untouched, with only one player on their entire 53-man roster listed as questionable. Seriously, one guy. That’s a wild way to kick off the regular season, especially when you consider the Saints’ own injury woes. This game, set for 1 p.m. ET, is shaping up to be an early test of team health and depth, and Detroit is looking incredibly strong on that front.
Detroit’s Depth Chart Is Looking Scary Good
When the Lions dropped their injury designations, the biggest news was who *wasn’t* on the list. Cornerback Christian Izien is the lone questionable player, dealing with a groin issue. Coach Dan Campbell sounded optimistic about Izien on Friday, noting, “He’s doing well. We felt really good about him. He’s close.” The team is also thinking about their quick turnaround for Week 2 against the Bills, which will definitely factor into Izien’s availability. Campbell added, “He’s moving around really well. I feel like he’s a little ahead of schedule in a good way, so we’ll see.” The final call on Izien will come from the Lions’ training staff.
Even better news for Detroit fans: a bunch of players who had been dealing with nagging issues are now cleared to play! EDGE Derrick Moore, who’s had a couple of injuries to start his Lions career, is officially good to go. Campbell said, “I think he should be good to go. He’s put in two pretty good days here of heavy work, heavy for him, let’s put it that way. So yeah, I like where he’s trending.” DL Mekhi Wingo (groin), LB Jimmy Rolder (hamstring), LB Trevor Nowaske (knee), CB Ennis Rakestraw (ankle), CB Keith Abney (hand), and S Thomas Harper (ankle) are all cleared and expected to be available. That’s a loaded roster heading into the season opener!
Saints Limp Into Ford Field for Opening Day
Contrast that with the New Orleans Saints’ report, and you can see why this Week 1 tilt is high stakes. The Saints are coming in with some significant absences, which could really swing the momentum. They’ve ruled out tight end Oscar Delp (hamstring), running back Audric Estimé (thigh), and veteran EDGE Cameron Jordan. Losing a key pass rusher like Jordan, especially against a healthy Lions offensive line, is a huge blow.
On the questionable side, star running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is listed, but there’s a glimmer of hope for New Orleans. Kamara is reportedly “suddenly way ahead of schedule” and got in a “full” practice on Friday, making him on track to play. If he does suit up, it would be a massive boost for their offense, helping to offset some of those other key players who are confirmed out. But still, the sheer volume of “out” players for the Saints compared to Detroit’s nearly clean bill of health tells a serious story.
This Sunday at Ford Field, the Lions look absolutely primed to make a statement with their roster firing on almost all cylinders. It’s Week 1, and the early health advantage for Detroit is undeniable. Then it’s a short week against the Bills, so keeping everyone healthy will be key. Let’s see if this early form pays off big time!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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