DETROIT — The Detroit Lions enter tonight’s primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys desperately needing clarity on their postseason outlook — and they’ll have to find it while navigating one of their most injury-riddled weeks of the season. With major questions at wide receiver and tight end and a banged-up offensive line, Detroit’s depth will again be tested under the bright Thursday Night Football lights.
Quarterbacks
- Jared Goff
- Kyle Allen
Goff has been unpredictable against Dallas, owning a 1–2 record with four touchdowns, four interceptions and 814 yards across three matchups. His high point came last season, torching the Cowboys for 315 yards and three scores in a 47–9 blowout.
Running Backs
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- David Montgomery
- Jacob Saylors
- Sione Vaki
Questionable: Sione Vaki (thumb)
Gibbs dominated snaps on Thanksgiving, logging 70% of the offensive workload. Montgomery handled 38%, while Saylors and the injured Vaki have mostly been limited to special-teams duty.
Wide Receivers
- Jameson Williams
- Isaac TeSlaa
- Dominic Lovett
- Tom Kennedy
- Jackson Meeks (projected elevation)
Out: Kalif Raymond (ankle)
Questionable: Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle)
St. Brown’s low-ankle sprain remains the biggest storyline. The team is giving him every opportunity to test the injury, but his concerns about cutting and sudden directional changes make his status truly questionable on a short-week turnaround. With Los Angeles looming next week, Detroit may lean toward resting him.
That likely means another WR1 assignment for Jameson Williams, who responded with a career-best performance last week: seven catches for 144 yards. TeSlaa and Kennedy are expected to take on expanded roles once again.
Tight Ends
- Ross Dwelley
- Anthony Firkser
- Zach Horton (projected elevation)
- Hayden Rucci
Out: Brock Wright (neck), Shane Zylstra (knee)
With Wright and Zylstra sidelined, Detroit is expected to roll with the same trio that suited up last week. Horton offered some versatility as a backfield option, while Rucci — signed late this week — is likely a healthy scratch pending future opportunities.
Tonight’s matchup carries massive postseason implications, but with so many moving pieces, Detroit’s ability to adapt may prove just as important as its game plan.
