The list of the injured Lions is almost longer than the roster members who aren’t walking wounded. Check the Week 12 inactives list for Detroit’s game in Washington.
Matthew Stafford remained out with his broken back. Center Frank Ragnow, the Lions’ best offensive lineman and the man responsible for the line calls, also missed Sunday’s game. So did top defensive linemen Trey Flower and Da’Shawn Hand. Don’t forget safety Tracy Walker, the most consistent player in pass defense on the roster.
Between those guys who couldn’t go on the active roster and the ample list of running backs and linemen on IR already, several rookies were thrust into action.
Four players were active for a regular season game for the first time in their rookie careers. Draftees Austin Bryant and Isaac Nauta joined UDFA Beau Benzschawel and Cowboys draft pick (signed off their practice squad) Michael Jackson picked up their first game checks.
They were among 11 rookies playing in the game. Nearly a quarter of the Lions roster for the Redskins game was rookies. Some played well, including CB Amani Oruwariye snagging his first career interception.
It’s not an excuse for the loss. It’s a fact of life in the NFL that injuries happen and the depth will be tested. Detroit’s depth is being tested harder than most teams right now, and it failed in Washington.
