For the Detroit Lions who are mathematically >99% to make the playoffs, the balance between players playing and players resting is rightly pushed toward the side that contributes to playoff performance.

At 8-1, the Lions have earned the opportunity to rest minor playable injuries and utilize selective load management. This strategy may have been a factor in decision to sideline Taylor Decker last week and Sam LaPorta this week. There’s still the extremely valuable No. 1 seed up for grabs, so keeping your foot on the gas in the regular season has benefits in the postseason.

The Jaguars are on the opposite side of the math spectrum with a <1% chance of making the playoffs. But they could end up with the same answers as the Lions to the “play versus rest” question.

While the Lions are focused on the 2025 playoffs, the Jaguars are focused on the 2026 playoffs. Key long-term players like Trevor Lawrence, who is considering season-ending AC joint surgery, could decide to sacrifice the present for a better future.

During the week, the Lions had another minor injury to Carlton Davis who broke his thumb, and an improvement to Taylor Decker’s shoulder. Overall, the Lions’ active roster is in good health.

The Jaguars have several offensive players dealing with injuries, including their No. 1 QB, No. 1 RB and No. 1-3 WR. The team’s injury report is lengthy with many limited practices, but most players will be in attendance.

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis CB (main UL LP FP – In)

Davis said he broke his thumb in training but will play with a cast. No worries here, but a repeat of 2 interceptions will be more difficult.

Ben Niemann LB (UL UL NP ankle – Questionable)

Presumably Niemann injured his ankle in training. An NP on Friday means he will likely be out on Sunday. He played 19% of the defensive snaps last game, which ranks him 4th among linebackers.

Sam LaPorta TE (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)

LaPorta suffered a sprained left AC joint last game that Dan Campbell called “day to day.” Letting him rest is a good idea, not only for the AC joint, but if there is any residual from his previous injuries this year:
• hamstrings (pre-season)
• sprained right ankle (week 3)
• possible hyperextension of the right knee (week 7)

Taylor Decker OT (shoulder LP FP FP – In)

Decker suffered a rotator cuff strain in training last week and I missed the last game. Good news, it’s minor and he will play on Sunday.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (ankle LP FP FP – In)

After missing two games with a sprained left ankle, Rodriguez is ready to go again.

Brodric Martin DT (knee FP FP FP – Out)

After hyperextending his right knee in preseason, Martin opened his 21-day training window on October 30. Expect him to be moved to the active roster next week by November 20th.

Ifetu Melifonwu S (ankle/finger FP LP NP – Out)

Downgrading is a concern. Hopefully this is just related to the finger injury and not a worsening of suspected Achilles tendinitis. Defensive backs can play through dislocated or broken fingers (see Carlton Davis), so the finger shouldn’t impact his timeline.

Melifonwu’s practice window opened on November 6, meaning he is expected to rejoin the active roster by November 27, the day before Thanksgiving.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (pec FP FP FP – Out)

Recovering from his torn pectoral in August, Moseley’s 21-day training window opened on November 6. Like Melifonwu, Moseley is expected to join the active roster before Thanksgiving.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence QB (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)

A non-throwing left AC joint sprain will keep the Jaguars’ starting QB out for a second straight game. He might even decide to stop the season and have AC joint surgery. Mac Jones, who was 14/22 for 111 yards last week in a 12-7 loss to the Vikings, will do it again.

Bigsby RB Tank Top (Ankle NP NP NP – Out)

The Jaguars’ No. 1 RB with 519 yards has been dealing with an ankle issue for 2-3 weeks and aggravated it last game. Expect Travis Etienne, who has 298 yards, to get the bulk of the carries.

Maason Smith DT (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)

This 2nd round rookie has missed the last four games.

Keilan Robinson RB (FP FP FP toe – Questionable)

With 3x FP, this 5th round rookie should be available, but he has yet to play this year.

Ezra Cleveland LG (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)

This starting LG has missed the last two games but could be ready to return this Sunday.

Brian Thomas WR (chest LP LP LP – In)

The Jaguars #1 WR with 607 yards injured his ribs two weeks ago but played until the end. However, he only had 2 catches for 12 yards in the last game.

Gabe Davis WR (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

Davis injured his shoulder three weeks ago, but returned to action last week with 1 catch for 19 yards. He is the 4th receiver on the team with 236 yards this year.

Josh Hines-Allen DE (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

This star passer has five sacks this year.

Blake Hance OL (knee LP LP LP – In)

Hance started last game against LG and could do it again if Ezra Cleveland can’t go.

Brandon Scherff RG (knee LP LP LP – In)

This starting RG has not missed a game this year.

Ernest Johnson RB (Hamstring LP LP LP – In)

Johnson is 3rd on the team with 114 rushing yards this year.

Tyson Campbell CB (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

Campbell missed a few games with a hamstring earlier this year, but he has started the last four games.

Daniel Thomas S (hamstrings LP LP LP – In)

This replacement hasn’t played a defensive game in the last four games.

NOTABLES

Christian Kirkthe Jaguars’ 2nd WR, was placed on IR two weeks ago with a broken collarbone.