The Detroit Lions are heading into Week 12 with more uncertainty than they’d like, as a wave of injuries threatens to derail their preparations for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants. Five of Detroit’s top contributors were absent from Wednesday’s practice session, creating immediate concerns about depth, chemistry, and whether the team can perform at a high level with so many key pieces missing. For a Lions group that has already wrestled with uneven play throughout the 2025 season, the timing of these setbacks could not be worse.
Wednesday’s injury update highlighted the severity of the situation. Star tackles Taylor Decker (shoulder) and Penei Sewell (ankle) were both held out, removing the core of what is normally one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive lines. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold remained sidelined as he works through concussion protocol. In the secondary, safeties Brian Branch (toe) and Kerby Joseph (knee) were also unable to participate.
.In addition to those five absences, edge defender Marcus Davenport and cornerback D.J. Reed were limited in their reps, adding even more pressure to an already stretched defensive unit. While the Giants have their own injury issues, Detroit knows the danger of entering a game without several foundational starters on both sides of the ball.
The larger picture only heightens the urgency. At 6–4, the Lions sit third in the NFC North, trailing the 7–3 Bears and the 6–3–1 Packers. The year has offered flashes of promise but also long stretches of inconsistency.
The offense still ranks among the league’s best, averaging 29.2 points per game, boosted by a 44-point explosion against Washington in Week 10. However, the unit stumbled badly in last week’s 16–9 defeat to the Eagles, where failed fourth-down attempts and Jared Goff’s struggles under pressure derailed the effort.
Detroit’s defense has been the steadier side of the ball and even held Philadelphia to its lowest completion percentage and passer rating of the season. Maintaining that defensive standard without Arnold, Joseph, and Branch, however, will be a major challenge.
With injuries stacking up, this weekend’s contest against the Giants becomes more than a simple regular-season game. It turns into a crucial examination of the Lions’ depth, toughness, and ability to maintain their spot in the NFC playoff race.
