DETROIT — A major officiating controversy late in the first half gave the Green Bay Packers a significant break during Thursday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

With 2:16 remaining in the second quarter, Green Bay faced a fourth-and-1 at Detroit’s 2-yard line. Offensive lineman Anthony Belton appeared to jump early and was flagged for a false start — a penalty that likely would’ve forced the Packers to settle for a field goal or attempt a much tougher fourth-down play.

However, after the officials huddled, they reversed course, announcing that head coach Matt LaFleur had called timeout before the infraction.

Replay suggested otherwise.

Angles showing the Packers’ sideline and offensive front made it clear that LaFleur didn’t begin signaling for a timeout until after Belton’s early movement. Fox rules analyst Dean Blandino noted that LaFleur might have verbally requested the timeout, yet LaFleur’s face remained behind his play sheet until the false start had already happened.

The controversial decision allowed Green Bay to keep the down, and they capitalized moments later. On the renewed fourth-and-1, Romeo Doubs hauled in a 2-yard touchdown, extending the Packers’ lead to 17–7 with 2:12 left before halftime.

A postgame explanation from the officiating crew is expected via the standard pool report.

That wasn’t Detroit’s only disputed moment of the half. Earlier, on a fourth-down play resulting in a touchdown, Dontayvion Wicks appeared to still be juggling the ball while getting the first of his two feet inbounds. Despite the questionable control, officials upheld the call on the field, putting Green Bay ahead 10–0.