The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a pivotal Week 3 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, but both teams are contending with significant injuries that could impact the outcome. Here's the latest on the key players to watch.
One of the primary concerns for the Lions is the status of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. According to Jimmy Liao from USA Today, St. Brown has been nursing a quad injury but has participated fully in practice all week. This is a positive sign as it suggests he’s likely to suit up on Sunday. St. Brown has been pivotal for the Lions thus far, racking up 132 yards on 14 catches, though he has yet to find the end zone this season. His availability would be a significant boost for the Lions’ offense.
On the flip side, linebacker Alex Anzalone is listed as questionable with a concussion. While he has been limited in practice towards the end of the week, it appears the Lions might play it safe and rest him, especially given his role in containing Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray. The potential absence of Anzalone, known for his speed, could be a major blow to the Lions' defense.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are grappling with their own injury woes. Right tackle Kelvin Beachum is dealing with a hamstring issue that has limited his practice participation. Beachum is listed as questionable and has missed practice recently, which doesn't bode well for his chances of playing. According to Cardinals Wire via Yahoo Sports, the Cardinals have elevated tackles Jackson Barton and Charlie Heck from the practice squad as a contingency, hinting at Beachum's likely absence. Given that the Cardinals are already without starting right tackle Jonah Williams, Beachum's potential absence would mean they’re down to their third-string tackle, which could provide opportunities for Detroit's defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to exploit.
Another key name on the Lions' injury report is offensive guard Graham Glasgow, who has been limited in practice with a knee issue but is expected to play according to Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach. The Lions will also miss cornerback Ennis Rakestraw and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, both of whom are sidelined with injuries.
Overall, the injury report provides a mixed bag for both teams, blending good news with cautionary notes. For the Lions, having Amon-Ra St. Brown on the field is critical, as his performance could make all the difference in a game that might be determined by offensive firepower. For the Cardinals, protecting Kyler Murray from Detroit’s pass-rush, potentially without Kelvin Beachum, will be a daunting task.
Both teams will need to make strategic adjustments based on these injuries as they aim to secure a crucial win in Week 3.
What other sites are saying about this topic
RT Kelvin Beachum seems unlikely to play as Cardinals elevate 2 tackles from practice squad from Cardinals Wire
Amon-Ra St. Brown injury update and status vs. the Cardinals in Week 3 | Sept. 22, 2024 from Data Skrive, USA Today
Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown from Jimmy Liao, USA Today