The Detroit Lions released their official game-day inactive list shortly before kickoff at Ford Field, opting to allocate all five available inactive slots to the defensive side of the ball for their season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
Detroit Lions Announce Five Defensive Inactives for Season Opener
The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with the Lions seeking to build momentum following a 9-8 finish last season. While primary offensive weapons such as Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta are all ready to play, the defense will be forced to navigate the afternoon without several depth pieces and contributors.
Christian Izien Groin Injury Dictates Caution
Defensive back Christian Izien entered the weekend as the sole Lion on the final injury report carrying an official game designation, listed as questionable due to a groin injury. Lions coach Dan Campbell noted on Friday that Izien was moving well and considered ahead of schedule, stating, He’s doing well. We felt really good about him. He’s close. I want to see what he looks like running around today and then knowing that we’re going on a short week after this, that’ll have a bearing on it too, but he’s moving around really well. I feel like he’s a little ahead of schedule in a good way, so we’ll see.
Ultimately, with a Thursday night game awaiting the team at Buffalo just four days later, the coaching staff decided to hold him out of the lineup.
As detailed by MLive.com, Izien’s absence leaves primary nickelback duties to be managed between Roger McCreary and rookie Keith Abney II, while D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin are slated to start at outside cornerback.
Surprise Scratches and Roster Management
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was a surprise addition to the inactive list for the opener, having practiced fully throughout the week after dealing with an ankle issue. The former second-round pick experienced an up-and-down training camp marked by intermittent injuries.
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder was also placed on the inactive list despite practicing fully as a full participant throughout the week. Rolder missed nearly all of training camp and all of August without a single padded practice due to a hamstring injury, and the team opted for caution as he works his way back into game shape. The Lions previously signed veteran linebacker Joe Bachie from the practice squad to help bolster depth.
Defensive Line Decisions and Opponent Inactives
Defensive linemen Mekhi Wingo and Ahmed Hassanein rounded out Detroit’s inactive list. Wingo has dealt with off-and-on groin issues over the past month and a half, following a previous campaign where he appeared in just two games. His inactive status followed a Saturday roster move in which Detroit elevated defensive lineman Ben Stille from the practice squad to the gameday roster, shortly after bringing Levi Onwuzurike back to the practice squad. Hassanein, who showed growth as a camp standout after not appearing on the week’s injury report, was viewed as an odd man out in a crowded defensive line room.
Across the field, the visiting New Orleans Saints announced their own inactive players ahead of kickoff. According to Saints Wire, New Orleans will play without running back Alvin Kamara (knee sprain), edge defender Cameron Jordan (hamstring injury), tight end Oscar Delp (injury), offensive tackle Mason Murphy, and defensive linemen John Ridgeway and Khristian Boyd. Backup quarterback Zach Wilson was also designated as the emergency QB3.
Worth a look
