The Detroit Lions, currently the hottest team in the NFL with an 11-1 record and a 10-game winning streak, are facing a growing concern: injuries have been ravaging their defense. Despite their success on the field, the Lions have been hit hard by injuries, particularly on the defensive side.

Before their Thanksgiving Day victory over the Chicago Bears (23-20), the Lions were already struggling with injuries on defense. The situation worsened during the game, as three more players were injured.

The Bears, who came back from a 16-0 halftime deficit, nearly pulled off a late win, but the story in Detroit is how the team’s defense continues to be undermined by injuries.

While the main headline from the game was Bears coach Matt Eberflus’ mishandling of a late timeout—which eventually led to his firing—the Lions’ defensive struggles are drawing attention.

The Lions lost defensive end Josh Paschal to a knee injury, but there’s a bit of good news here. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Paschal’s injury is minor, and he is already in recovery, so he may not miss much time.

Unfortunately, the news wasn’t all positive for Detroit.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL and is out for the season, while defensive end Levi Onwuzurike suffered a hamstring injury.

These setbacks are just part of a larger trend of defensive injuries for the Lions.

It’s been a tough season for Detroit’s defense.

Earlier in the year, star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg, and linebacker Alex Anzalone broke his forearm.

Defensive end Marcus Davenport is out for the year after tearing his triceps, and linebacker Derrick Barnes tore both his MCL and PCL.

Starting cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis have also been sidelined with injuries, and their backups, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Emmanuel Moseley, have dealt with injuries as well. Additional depth players like John Cominsky and Kyle Peko are also out.

Despite all these injuries, head coach Dan Campbell continues to preach the “next-man-up” mentality.

However, the Lions are not the same team they were earlier in the season.

The defense’s inability to stay healthy has been exposed, as seen in the Bears’ three-second half touchdowns, which didn’t seem like an anomaly.

Detroit now faces another major test on Thursday night when they host the Green Bay Packers, who have a 9-3 record and are looking to catch up to the Lions in the NFC North.

The Packers come into this matchup with a healthier roster, potentially making this a tough challenge for the injury-plagued Detroit defense.