The Detroit Lions will be without their top offensive free agent addition for the Week 1 visit from the Chicago Bears. And the team’s leading receiving weapon is doubtful to play Sunday, too.
Right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai is one of three Lions ruled out for Week 1 in the team’s final injury report. Vaitai did not practice all week with a foot injury suffered late in training camp. The Lions signed Vaitai to a $45 million contract this summer to lure him away from the Philadelphia Eagles, and his ability as a run blocker was a key selling point for the Lions’ increased emphasis on running the ball offensively.
Tyrell Crosby will get the nod in Vaitai’s place. He started five games in 2019.
Also ruled out for Detroit: safety C.J. Moore and rookie TE Hunter Bryant. Neither practiced this week with hamstring injuries.
There is one player listed as doubtful, but it’s a big one. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay suffered a hamstring injury of his own in Wednesday’s practice and did not participate on either Thursday or Friday. Expect to see more of rookie Quintez Cephus and speedy Marvin Hall if Golladay can’t go or is limited.
Several other Lions are officially designated as questionable for the home opener:
- WR Danny Amendola (hamstring)
- DE Da’Shawn Hand (groin)
- CB Jeff Okudah (hamstring)
- DE Julian Okwara (knee)
- CB Darryl Roberts (groin)
- RB D’Andre Swift (hip)
