DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are expecting to get back key reinforcements ahead of their NFL Divisional Round matchup against Jayden Daniels and his Washington Commanders.
As the No. 6 seed, Washington upset Baker Mayfield and the No. 3 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 to advance in the playoffs
The fourth meeting between the Lions and Commanders in the playoffs is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. The Commanders, who defeated Detroit 27–13 in the 1999 Wild Card Round in Landover, Maryland, won the three prior games.
Prior to that, the Commanders defeated the Lions 41-10 in the nation’s capital during the NFC Championship game, and again 31-7 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium during the 1982 strike-shortened season.
However, the 2024 Lions feel that their squad is different from previous years’ because they have secured the league’s best record (15-2). Terry McLaurin, a wide receiver, stated, “We have some things to clean up, but playing Detroit, they’re the No. 1 seed for a reason.” “They have our respect, but we say ‘Anywhere, anytime, anyplace’ for a reason.” Like the Commanders, the Lions have been dominating the 2024 season, winning the NFC North Division, sealing up the No. 1 seed, and achieving the best conference record. They have also secured a much-needed bye week.
A franchise record for the most wins in a regular season was achieved by the 15-2 record, although Detroit has suffered greatly from injuries to the majority of its star players on both sides of the ball.
The good news is that head coach Dan Campbell says those big names might make a comeback for Saturday’s game. The Lions’ Week 18 prime-time game against the Minnesota Vikings featured the return of key players like linebacker Alex Anzalone and All-Pro punt returner Kalif Raymond before their bye week.
The Lions added a couple more players to their updated injury list during their 31-9 victory. Terrion Arnold, a cornerback, was taken off the field during the bye week due to a foot injury, and he was later spotted wearing a walking boot.
In the win, they also lost guard Kevin Zeitler to what seemed to be a hamstring injury; Campbell stated that both players were on the right track but did not guarantee they would play against Washington.
During their bye week, Campbell addressed and offered encouraging remarks about two additional players who might improve on both sides of the ball.
David Montgomery
Campbell essentially confirmed that running back David Montgomery (Knuckles) will play this weekend, despite rumours that he may make a comeback from his torn MCL during the playoffs.
Reporter: “When you play your playoff game next week, do you anticipate having Montgomery?” Campbell: “Yes, yes, yes.” –> Update on seven Detroit Lions players’ injuries: Terrion Arnold, David Montgomery, Aidan Hutchinson, and others While Knuckles was out, Sonic the Hedgehog’s sidekick, Jahmyr Gibbs, amassed a tonne of cash by passing every board with flying colours, including 170 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, earning him the title of NFC Player of the Week.
–> “We’re No. 1”: As numerous players excel on SNF, the Detroit Lions set franchise records However, it’s realistic to assume that the reunion will have disastrous effects on the Commanders and other future adversaries.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions, who are without cornerback Carlton Davis III because of a broken jaw, would really benefit from this.
Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions have remained mum about the condition of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson was on the verge of winning the Defensive Player of the Year award when he fractured his tibia and fibula in his left leg during an Oct. 13 matchup at Jerry’s World against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hutchinson mentioned he aimed to come back for Super Bowl LIX, but Campbell managed expectations by stating he was out for the entire season.
“He suffered a season-ending injury, but if anyone can recover from this, it would certainly be Aidan, that’s the best way to put it,” Campbell stated.