The Detroit Lions’ 31-24 Thanksgiving defeat to the Green Bay Packers exposed mounting injury concerns and inconsistencies across the roster, resulting in notable shifts in snap distribution. Now 7-5, Detroit must regroup quickly with a challenging matchup against the surging Dallas Cowboys on the horizon. Here is a professional breakdown of the Lions’ snap counts and what they signal for the weeks ahead.
Quarterbacks
Jared Goff played every offensive snap (63), completing 20 of 26 passes but suffering three sacks. A dropped fourth-down pass by Jameson Williams halted a critical drive. Goff will be relied upon heavily as Detroit seeks stability against Dallas.
Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs led the backfield with 44 snaps (70%), while David Montgomery logged 24 (38%). Green Bay effectively limited Gibbs’ explosiveness, holding him under four yards per carry. Montgomery managed eight attempts and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 5. Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki contributed exclusively on special teams.
Wide Receivers
Injuries reshaped the receiver rotation dramatically. Amon-Ra St. Brown exited early after just four snaps, paving the way for rookie Isaac TeSlaa to play a season-high 58 snaps (92%). Jameson Williams led all receivers with 59 snaps (94%), capitalizing on his expanded role. Tom Kennedy stepped in with 41 snaps and handled return duties. Dominic Lovett was active but did not play.
Tight Ends
With their top tight ends sidelined, Detroit relied on Ross Dwelley (47 snaps) and Anthony Firkser (15), while undrafted rookie Zach Horton saw limited action but was used creatively, including snaps at fullback. The group’s makeshift nature forced the Lions into several unconventional formations.
Offensive Line
In Graham Glasgow’s absence, Trystan Colon made his first start at center, playing every snap. Kayode Awosika, Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell, and Taylor Decker also played 100% of offensive snaps. With Frank Ragnow nearing return, the Lions could shift Glasgow back to guard, potentially altering Awosika’s role.
Defensive Line
Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson remained key anchors, each playing 60 snaps (95%). Marcus Davenport returned from injury, participating in 24 snaps and rotating with Al-Quadin Muhammad. Rookie Tyleik Williams continued to see significant work, while DJ Reader and Roy Lopez alternated at nose tackle.
Linebackers
Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone played every defensive snap, while Derrick Barnes handled 73%. Detroit utilized more nickel packages, reducing Barnes’ time on the field. Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, and Trevor Nowaske contributed solely on special teams.
Cornerbacks
Amik Robertson (60 snaps) and D.J. Reed (55) led the secondary, while rookie Terrion Arnold was limited to 18 snaps in his first game since Week 10. Rock Ya-Sin saw limited defensive action but played extensively on special teams. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard eased Arnold back while expanding Reed’s workload.
As injuries continue to mount—particularly at wide receiver—the Lions’ depth will be thoroughly tested. TeSlaa’s increased involvement underscores Detroit’s reliance on young talent as the team enters a critical stretch of the season.
