The Lions and Commanders are in a tight competition for most players on the injury list. The number of injuries has even caught the attention of the President of the United States, who is personally showing up to the game to ensure the safety of all the players.
While the country’s commander-in-chief will be healthy and present at the game, the Washington football team’s commander-in-chief, QB Jayden Daniels, will be out with an elbow dislocation.
Other Commanders starters who will also be missing are:
On the other side, here are the Lions starters who will be out:
The Lions appear to have a significant health advantage in this game as they look to bounce back from a disappointing loss.
(NP – no practice, LP – limited practice, FP – full practice)
DETROIT LIONS
OUT – Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Joseph has been dealing with a balky left knee since early training camp. He injured or aggravated the knee on September 28. The diagnosis is uncertain but a PCL sprain is a possibility based on video. His last game played was October 12. With this full week of NP’s, next week is in doubt as well.
OUT – Pat O’Connor, DT (knee)
O’Connor played 3 defensive snaps and 18 special teams snaps last game. I don’t know what’s going on here. With NP’s all week, there is a chance he goes on IR this weekend.
OUT – Miles Frazier, OG (knee)
Frazier had spent all season on PUP due to an offseason knee issue. He just started his 21-day practice window on November 5, so missing this game is no surprise. Since he is a rookie with no experience, expect him to use his entire window before being put on the active roster.
OUT – Josh Paschal, EDGE (back)
Paschal had been on NFI all season after offseason surgery on his back. He started his 21-day practice window on November 5. Expect him to use most of his window with a target return of Thanksgiving.
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated: “He looks great…. A little bit sore… did some individual yesterday.”
OUT – Jacob Saylors, RB (back)
Saylors presumably hurt his back during the Vikings game when he played 19 special teams snaps.
QUESTIONABLE – Taylor Decker, OT (right shoulder/rest) starter
Good news that his left knee injury from last game was minor as it wasn’t even listed on the report. Decker’s chronic shoulder seemed to hold up fine last game, and the “rest” designation implies he will play.
QUESTIONABLE – Dan Skipper, OT (back)
Skipper played 19 snaps last game without obvious issue. The 2x LP’s to finish the week are reassuring. He had right knee and left ankle injuries earlier in the season.
QUESTIONABLE – Daniel Thomas, S (forearm fracture)
Thomas, who was on IR, opened his 21-day window on October 27. The Commanders game will be 7 weeks post injury. Last season, Alex Anzalone returned to play in 7 weeks from his forearm fracture. Expect Thomas to resume his special teams role this week or next.
QUESTIONABLE – Craig Reynolds, RB (hamstring)
Three LP’s gives him a chance to play on Sunday. He has missed 1 game with this hamstring.
QUESTIONABLE – Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (ACL)
His 21-day window opened on October 28. I’d expect him to be out this game with a projected return next week vs the Eagles.
QUESTIONABLE – Grant Stuard, LB (foot)
Stuard was active on special teams last game with 24 snaps. A foot injury can be concerning but 3x LP’s is a good sign.
IN – Penei Sewell, OT (left shoulder) starter
Great news that the left shoulder injury is minor.
IN – Terrion Arnold, CB (shoulder) starter
Arnold appeared to get through his first game back just fine and has a full week of FP’s to confirm that. His roller coaster shoulder injury appears to be heading safely into the station.
IN – Ty Summers, LB (hand)
Summers injured his hand last game but it must not be too significant.
NOTABLES UNLISTED
PUP/NFI – no players remaining
IR (injured reserve) – eligible to return this season
(Rules recap: There is no limit to the number of players that can be placed on IR. Must stay on IR for minimum 4 games. Only 8 are allowed to return during regular season plus bonus 2 for the playoffs. Last season, Lions used 7 returns during regular season and 1 during playoffs.)
Eligible return dates:
IR returns: 1 – Daniel Thomas
IR players:
IR – NOT eligible to return this season (key players listed)
OTHER
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions vs Commanders Week 10: Final injury report and medical analysis
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
