Real Detroit Lions football is finally upon us. The Lions hope to get off to a good start this season (unlike last year) with a victory over the New Orleans Saints. The official injury report is off to a good start, as it reveals a very healthy team. There were zero Lions ruled out for Sunday, and only a single “Questionable”.
For those who missed it a few days ago, I had a great discussion with Jeff Risdon of the Detroit Lions Podcast in reviewing the health outlook of the team…
Now, on to the final injury report for Week 1.
🔴”Out” or “Doubtful” designation
🟡”Questionable”
🟢”In”
DETROIT LIONS (line -7)
🟡Christian Izien, S - Groin
Projection: Out. Good chance of playing in Game 2 on Thursday Night vs Bills.
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated: “He’s close. Knowing that we’re going on a short week after this will have a bearing on this too.”
Campbell confirms my speculation that the short week may impact the availability of players on the edge of recovery. Four days may not be enough recovery time if the injury has only just healed up. It’s much safer to get that 10 day recovery time after Week 2. The lack of an FP also signals that it would be safer to let Izien sit out this game.
My 2025 analysis of “Questionables” reveals that 78% end up playing. We’ll see how it goes with the Lions lone “Questionable” on Sunday.
🟢Derrick Moore, EDGE - Hamstring
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated: “He should be good to go. He’s put in two pretty good days here of heavy work, heavy for him. I like where he’s trending.”
Turns out the trend was excellent, as Moore got a Friday FP and is in. That’s big news to get this 2nd-round rookie in action along the defensive line.
Like kk on X, I’m very excited to see Moore play. If he can be a playmaking pass rusher, that would dramatically elevate the ceiling of this team.
🟢Mekhi Wingo, DT - Groin
Wingo’s first groin strain this preseason kept him out for only about four days. His second groin has not cost him much time either. It’s nice to see him available for Week 1. Keep in mind though that he was a healthy scratch for almost all of last season, so it’s not guaranteed he’ll be in uniform on Sunday.
🟢Keith Abney, CB - Hand
🟢Thomas Harper, S - Ankle
🟢Trevor Nowaske, LB - Knee
🟢Ennis Rakestraw, CB - Ankle
🟢Jimmy Rolder, LB - Hamstring
NOTABLES UNLISTED
🔴Cade Mays, C (wrist fracture) - The Lions’ starting center is on IR with a projected return of Week 5-7.
🔴Brian Branch, S (Achilles) - This star safety is on PUP with a projected return of Week 5-8.
🔴Kerby Joseph, S (knee) - This All-Pro safety is on PUP with an uncertain return.
🔴Isiah Pacheco, RB (back) - This backup RB is on IR with a mystery back injury. He has an uncertain return. It will be fascinating to see how much playing time Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki get in relief of Jahmyr Gibbs.
🟢Sam LaPorta, TE (Microdiscectomy 2025) - This star TE got in a full week of practice. It will be interesting to see if he gets some rest days later this season.
🟢Christian Mahogany, LG - On Friday, Dan Campbell stated “Good chance that Mahogany starts.” I like this because it’s best for the Lions long-term if Mahogany wins the job over Bartch for age, health, and contract reasons. Mahogany and Bartch are both currently healthy, but Bartch has had to overcome a Lisfranc and concussion recently.
🔴Levi Onwuzurike, DT - Released by the Lions today. It’s uncertain the reason, but he carried significant health concerns with an ACL surgery in 2025 and spinal fusion in 2022. I wrote about these concerns earlier this year…
🔴Tyre West, DT - This 7th-round rookie was released by the Lions from the practice squad today.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
🔴Oscar Delp, TE - Hamstring
This 3rd-round rookie will miss his first game.
🔴Audric Estimé, RB - Thigh
Estimé had 46 carries for 198 yards last season.
🔴Cameron Jordan, LB - Hamstring
Jordan had 10.5 sacks last season, so he’s a big loss.
🟡Alvin Kamara, RB - Knee
The FP on Friday gives Kamara a good chance to play vs the Lions. He is recovering from an MCL suffered on August 18. He had 471 rushing yards last season. Travis Etienne, who had 1107 rushing yards last season with the Jaguars, is the starter.
🟢Davon Godchaux, DL - Rest
NOTABLES UNLISTED
🔴Jordyn Tyson (WR) - The Saints’ 1st-round rookie’s hamstring woes continued and he is on IR.
🔴Brian Bresee (DT) - This starting defensive lineman is out for the year with an ACL suffered in camp.
🔴Dillon Radunz (OL) - This backup offensive lineman is out for the year with an ACL suffered in camp.
Great job on the podcast with Jeff, Dr. Liao! Interesting news with Cam Jordan practicing today. That guy never misses a game and we'll see if he'll play on Sunday. Go Lions!