GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Detroit Lions will be without two key members of their defense today as they kick off the regular season in Arizona to take on the Cardinals.
Detroit will be without defensive captain and starting MIKE linebacker Jarrad Davis as he's inactive with an ankle injury. Davis suffered the injury Week 3 of the preseason, and though he was a limited participant in practice this week, he'll start Week 1 on the inactive list.
Davis was one of just two players in the NFL last season to have at least 100 tackles and six sacks, so the Lions' defense will miss him. I expect rookie Jahlani Tavai and veterans Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Miles Killebrew to help fill the void.
Detroit downgraded defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand from questionable to out Friday night. He suffered an elbow injury early in training camp, and while he was also listed as limited in practice this week, he'll need more time before he can give it a go.
The good news for Detroit is that center Frank Ragnow (ankle), defensive end Trey Flowers (shoulder) and cornerback Rashaan Melvin (knee), all of whom were limited in practice this week, are active.
Also inactive for the Lions today are: Quarterback David Blough, guard Beau Benzschawel, guard Oday Abushi, cornerback Amani Oruwariye and wide receiver Travis Fulgham.
