As the Detroit Lions prepare for their pivotal Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared key injury updates on “Good Morning Football” Wednesday morning. The Lions roster looks markedly different from the last time the teams met in Week 7, with several key players unavailable due to injuries.
According to Rapoport, Here are the Key Players Not Playing in Week 18:
- David Montgomery (RB) – “You saw David Montgomery in those highlights making a bunch of plays, really has been one of the best backs in the NFL through the course of the year. Of course, not gonna play in this game,” said Rapoport. “Still rehabbing that knee injury, but not going to play in this game.
- Aidan Hutchinson (DE) – “Aidan Hutchinson is not gonna play in both games, so he is not on the list,” Rapoport said. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST INJURY UPDATE VIDEO HUTCHINSON POSTED
- Alex Anzalone (LB) – “Alex Anzalone, the play-making linebacker with a broken forearm, he played in that (Week 7) game, not gonna play in this one.” Rapoport said. NOTE: Following the Lions Monday Night Football win over the 49ers, Dan Campbell said Anzalone was “really close” to being ready.
- Malcolm Rodriguez (LB) – “Malcolm Rodriguez, “Rodrigo”, the tackling machine of a linebacker. He has a torn ACL, he is out,” Rapoport said.
- Carlton Davis (CB) – “Carlton Davis with a fractured jaw, another one who is out for this game, potentially has a chance to come back for the playoffs,” Rapoport said.
- Alim McNeill (DT) – “And then Alim McNeill, their star defensive lineman, he is out with a torn ACL. So, he is for sure out for the season,” Rapoport said.
Lions' Road to Recovery
While several key players from the Week 7 matchup against Minnesota will not be available, the Lions remain focused on the task at hand. With the NFC North crown and the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC on the line, Detroit will need to rely on their remaining players and depth to step up in a crucial game that could determine their postseason fate.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Lions continue their push for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
