PHILADELPHIA – The Detroit Lions will be without a few key starters on both sides of the football tonight for their matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Starting tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a back injury last week in the win over the Washington Commanders and was placed on Reserve/Injured on Saturday. He'll miss at least Detroit's next four games. LaPorta has 40 receptions, 489 yards and three touchdowns on the season. Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley will look to fill the void tonight at tight end. Rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks was also elevated from the practice squad for this game, and he's been working at tight end in practice over the last couple weeks.
Detroit will also be without two starters in their secondary as All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph will miss his fourth straight game with a knee injury as he was ruled out on Friday's injury report. Also inactive is cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion), who was also declared out on Friday.
The good news for the Lions is all seven players on the active roster who were listed as questionable to play tonight are active and expected to play. That list includes: Tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, cornerback Amik Robertson, running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa and Wright.
Joining Arnold and Joseph on Detroit's inactive list tonight are: Running back Craig Reynolds, defensive linemen Quinton Jefferson and Mekhi Wingo and wide receiver Tom Kennedy.
