Detroit Lions Week 7 Friday Injury Report
The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by injuries throughout the first half of the season.
Depth at running back and along the offensive line have been tested, but the players tasked with filling in have performed admirably.
Most recently, the Lions have been forced to confront the reality of playing without running back David Montgomery and left guard Jonah Jackson.
The team announced Friday that both have been ruled out Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
As a result, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs could be tasked with shouldering the workload in the backfield.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who is a stellar pass-protector, is also drawing closer to a return to the lineup.
Vaitai has played sparingly in the last two weeks after returning from injury. On Friday, Dan Campbell provided a positive update on the veteran's status heading into the road showdown with the Ravens.
"I feel like he's looked better," Campbell said. "I feel like every week, he's gotten better and better since coming back from the injury. I think he's close, I think he's close to helping us."
Vaitai hasn't taken an offensive rep since Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, when he suffered a knee injury. In those two games, he amassed a Pro Football Focus offensive grade of 78.6.
If Vaitai is able to contribute, he could see reps at either guard position along with Graham Glasgow. Kayode Awosika made his first start last week with Jackson missing the game.
Lions Week 7 Friday injury report
- Jonah Jackson -- Ankle OUT
- David Montgomery -- Ribs OUT
- Craig Reynolds -- Hamstring/Toe Questionable
- James Mitchell -- Hamstring Questionable
- Josh Paschal -- Knee Questionable