Week 13 injury designations: Lions rule 2 starters OUT, 2 others questionable

The Detroit Lions released their Week 13 injury designations and have ruled OUT 2 starters while listing another 2 as questionable.

The Detroit Lions (10-1) and Chicago Bears (4-7) released their injury designations for their upcoming Week 13 battle on Thanksgiving Day, and both teams have ruled out two players.

Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s estimated (walkthrough) injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note that any changes from yesterday’s report will be bolded.

Ruled OUT

• LT Taylor Decker (knee)
• CB Carlton Davis (thumb, knee)

Decker initially expressed some optimism that he would be able to play in this game, but coach Dan Campbell was quick to squash that on Monday, noting that the Lions starting left tackle was not where he needed to be medically. Unfortunately, Decker could never get ahead of this injury and he was ruled OUT. He’ll have eight more days to heal up before the Lions take on the Packers on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 14.

Look for Dan Skipper to replace Decker at left tackle in this game—as he did previously against the Texans and Colts—and recently elevated Jamarco Jones will serve as a reserve offensive tackle.

Davis being ruled out puts the Lions in a bit of a bind at corner, but the Lions are expected to return starter Terrion Arnold, and will likely turn to Kindle Vildor for a second week in a row. If Vildor struggles, the Lions do have other options at their disposal. They could promote Emmanuel Moseley to a starting role on the outside, or they could kick him inside to corner and lean on Amik Robertson on the outside. They also have Khalil Dorsey as a speed option.

Note: Wide receiver Kalif Raymond (foot) who had not been able to practice this week was placed on injured reserve earlier on Wednesday and will not be eligible to return until Week 17. Maurice Alexander was signed to the active roster and will likely fill Raymond’s roles on offense and special teams.

Questionable

• RB David Montgomery (shoulder)
• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee)

Montgomery injured his shoulder in Week 12, and while he was medically cleared during the game, he did not return. He opened the week not practicing and then was estimated to have gotten in limited work after that. With the Lions playing against his former team this week, it’s almost a certainty that Montgomery will be motivated to play in this game.

St. Brown followed a similar practice path as Montgomery this week, and likewise, is expected to be good to play in this game.

Not listed with a designation

• DT DJ Reader (illness)
• CB Terrion Arnold (groin)

Reader appears to have put his illness behind him and should be good to go.

Arnold returning to the lineup comes just in time with Davis being unavailable. Look for him to step back into his starting role.

Bears’ injury designations

Ruled OUT (starters bolded)

• FS Elijah Hicks (ankle)
• OL Ryan Bates (concussion)

Hicks being ruled out means the Bears will turn to Jonathan Owens for the second week in a row.