The Detroit Lions organization has made a clear effort to retain players that have been drafted and contributed at a high level out on the football field.

According to reports, defensive tackle Alim McNeill and the Lions have agreed on a new four-year contract extension.

McNeill, 24, reportedly secured a $97 million extension with $55 million guaranteed.

Against the Cowboys, the talented defensive tackle had a rebound performance, as the defensive line was able to pressure quarterback Dak Prescott consistently.

Head coach Dan Campbell explained during his weekly radio appearance the team will be counting on McNeill to aid in replacing Aidan Hutchinson, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a significant leg injury.

“Listen, Mac showed up and Mac wasn’t pleased with the way he played against Seattle, and so he was a man on a mission before the bye, coming out, and he was locked in this week. His mind was right, and he was going to be a factor in this game and that’s what we expect every week out of Mac, is just that,” said Campbell. “So yeah, how much? A lot. And he’s one of those guys we’re going to lean on. He doesn’t have to be Superman, but we’ve got to get that out of him every week, and he’s got that ability. Played a heck of a game yesterday.”

McNeill expressed earlier this season his focus was on playing this season and not on his extension.

In his career, McNeill has notched 10.5 sacks. He had two last week against Dallas. The N.C. State product has recorded 120 career tackles, including18 for loss.

General manager Brad Holmes had indicated McNeill was next on the list to secure an extension.

The Detroit Lions offense is steadily working to build chemistry, especially with new additions in wideouts Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson.

Patrick, 30, is a big-bodied wideout who is developing chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff.

Against the Seahawks, Patrick showcased growing confidence in Detroit’s offense. He had two catches for 52 yards.

Head coach Dan Campbell expressed this week both Patrick and Allen Robinson, who are both part of the 53-man roster, have come in and accepted coaching and have not acted like entitled veterans.

“He gets better and better every week. One of the things I love about Tim Patrick, and I’d put Allen Robinson in that same boat, I’m glad both of those guys are here by the way. They act like, just in the way they handle their business, they’re still young players,” Campbell said. “And what I mean by that is, man, ‘Give me the coaching. How do you want it? What is this? Just give me all the little details to this, tell me exactly how you want it.’ They’re very coachable, there’s no, ‘I played in this league eight years, 10 years, I know what I’m doing.’ There’s no entitlement.”

With the departure of Josh Reynolds this past offseason, Detroit’s offense has been seeking an “X” receiver to fill the void.

“These guys just come in and work their rear off. They want it, they help out across the board, not only for us but on the scout team,” Campbell said. “But to your point about Tim, yeah, I feel like he’s gotten better and better. He brings a skill set in that room that we need, that’s different. There’s a place for him here. I know he’s gaining the trust of us offensively, but also Goff. And yes, him and Leaf, the trust is getting there quickly.”

The veteran acknowledged following Detroit’s third victory of the season excitement the offense scored so many points and the team having so many weapons.

“It’s an amazing feeling. What’d we put up? 40 points I think. I don’t know the last time I’ve been a part of a 40-point scoring game,” Patrick said. “So, it was a blessing, and it just shows we have so many weapons out there. We have two number one receivers, we’ve got two number one tight ends, we’ve got two number one running backs and when everyone’s going, we’re hard to stop.”

The former Broncos wideout expressed with more practice time, the offense is going to meet everybody’s expectations.

“It’s going, man. Obviously it’s not perfect, but we’re learning each other each and every day. That’s why we practice, man,” Patrick said. “We practice until we get it right, and when we do get it right, when it’s time to get it right, it’s gonna be beautiful.”

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was fined by the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night football.

After scoring on a 70-yard-touchdown, the former first round draft pick dunked the football through the uprights.

For his decision to honor Calvin Johnson, the speedy wideout is now lighter $14,069.

“Huge. Yeah, he’s something else,” said Jared Goff, after a convincing 42-29 win in primetime. “He’s a one-play touchdown guy and I know he strikes fear in every team we play, they’re going to see that and it’s going to strike even more fear. So, he’s a stud and we’re lucky to have him.”

Levi Onwuzurike was also docked 13,849 for roughing the passer.

 

GOFF DOES NOT GET FRAZZLED

Prior to going 18-for-18 against the Seahawks, there had been talk about Goff’s slow start to the 2024 season.

After Detroit’s win, Dan Campbell expressed he had a good feeling the veteran quarterback would play well on Monday Night Football

“Yeah, you’re going to feel good about a performance like this,” Campbell said. “I don’t want to speak for Jared, but I would be willing to bet somewhere in there, he knew that he was going to have a good game. He just did, because I felt like last week was his get back to balance, get back to center. Take what’s there, be smart with the football, play fast, play efficient. … And so I felt like after last week, this is going to be the week, like alright, now he finds that happy balance and man, he really did, he came alive.

“But he doesn’t get frazzled by stuff like that,” said Campbell. “He’s no different than anybody else, he just goes to work. He hones in on the details, he puts the work in on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays, and he’s meticulous with the game plan and he doesn’t worry about anything else. He trusts that what he does in practice is going to show up in the games and it happens that way for him.”

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions were seeking to end a long losing streak against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

Detroit last left the field victorious against the Seahawks in Week 8 back in 2012.

For whatever reasons, the NFC West squad was previously able to have their way offensively against Detroit’s defense.

Both teams entered the Week 4 contest dealing with a myriad of injuries and hoping players called upon to replace starters proved they can execute at a similar level.

With Detroit investing heavily on revamping their defense this offseason, this year’s matchup provided another test for Aaron Glenn and his young group.

After 60 minutes of action, Detroit was able to explode offensively and hold on to a 42-29 win at Ford Field, on the evening Calvin Johnson was inducted into the Pride of the Lions.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ Week 4 victory:

 

LIONS RUSHING ATTACK DELIVERS

After winning the coin toss, the Lions went three-and-out after deciding to accept the football first.

On Detroit’s second offensive possession, a concerted effort was made to run the football with David Montgomery early in the drive.

Jahmyr Gibbs had an explosive 20-yard rush that setup Detroit’s offense near the goal line.

Montgomery, who recorded 42 rushing yards on eight carries early in the game, capped off a 12-play, 93-yard touchdown scoring drive with a one-yard scamper that gave Detroit the early 7-0 lead.

JACK CAMPBELL POPS METCALF, FORCES TURNOVER

Seattle’s offense made a concerted effort early in the game to get star wideout DK Metcalf involved heavily. This called for plenty of throwing at Carlton Davis, who was matched up with Metcalf.

Linebacker Jack Campbell was able to halt Seattle’s second drive, forcing the football loose when delivering a hit to Metcalf.

Davis scooped up the football and scampered 49-yards on the return.

Detroit took advantage and scored three plays later to extend their lead to 14-0. Gibbs walked into the end zone untouched.

ST. BROWN, LAPORTA LEAD THE WAY IN PASSING ATTACK

After Seattle trimmed the lead to 14-7, Detroit turned to reliable offensive weapons on their next scoring drive.

Goff was able to connect with St. Brown and LaPorta to aid in Detroit’s third consecutive touchdown scoring drive that extended their lead to 21-7.

Detroit’s talented tight end had his face mask grabbed that tacked on 15 additional yards to a reception.

The offense marched down the field on a nine-play, 70-yard drive that was capped off by Gibbs’ second rushing touchdown of the first half. It marked the seventh occasion both of Detroit’s running backs had recorded rushing touchdowns in the same game.

St. Brown would add a receiving touchdown to his statline in the fourth quarter, as he hauled in a third-down pass from Goff to help ice the victory.

MONTGOMERY GOES BEAST MODE TO START 3RD

To start the second half, the Seahawks were aided by a controversial pass interference call on Davis, who pleaded with officials throughout the first half that Metcalf was consistently pushing off.

Seattle was able to trim Detroit’s lead to 21-14 just minutes into the second half.

On Detroit’s ensuing possession, Montgomery went beast mode after receiving a toss from Goff. His run after the catch gave the Lions an explosive pass play and put the Lions in Seattle territory.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson again reached into his bag of tricks with Detroit in the red zone.

Detroit extended their lead to 28-14 on a seven-yard touchdown toss from St. Brown to Goff.

PERFECT GAME: Jared Goff catches 1st NFL TD and throws two more in Lions’ 42-29 win over Seahawks

JAMO TURNS ON JETS, OFFENSE COMES ALIVE

The Lions' offense hadn't reached the 30-point threshold in their first three games. In fact, they were shutout in the second half against the Cardinals last week. However, those struggles went out the window in the third quarter Monday.

After the Goff touchdown and an ensuing answer from the Seahawks, the offense wasted no time answering. The 29-year-old hit Jameson Williams on a crossing route, who proceeded to leave the rest of the Seahawks' defense in the dust for a 70-yard touchdown.

Monday's game served as a breakthrough for the offense, as they converted in key situations and established their run game early to set up the big plays in the passing game.

Photo gallery from the Lions’ 42-29 win over Seattle on Monday Night Football

WALKER, QUICK PASSING GAME KEEP SEAHAWKS IN IT

In the second half, Smith got into a groove offensively.

Similar to the Rams, the veteran quarterback released the football quickly, almost negating Detroit's pass-rush entirely.

Walker was able to find the end zone repeatedly, as his return frustrated Detroit's defense.

Glenn's defense had been stout to start the season, but Walker was able to find his way into the end zone with ease, including on a 21-yard scamper that trimmed Detroit's lead to 35-27.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions added safety Brian Branch to the game status report on Sunday morning.

After practicing Saturday, the talented safety has been downgraded to doubtful against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. He is listed with an illness.

Last week, the former second-round pick was evalated for a brain injury during the game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Branch had a helmet-to-helmet hit against Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Unfortunately, the tackle resulted in a fine of a little over $10,000 for illegal use of his helmet.

This week, defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve, likely giving Brandon Joseph an opportunity to play next to Kerby Joseph.

Early in the season, Branch and Joseph have been successful on the back end, giving the entire coaching staff growing confidence in the secondary.

With teams having more offensive threats, teams must continue to add talented all along the secondary, especially at the safety position.

“I will tell you this, if I was an offensive coach, I would definitely go in that direction because of the advantages that we give the offense right now,” said Aaron Glenn. “And that’s okay, and we understand that. So, I don’t think it’s going to be anything different week-to-week as far as going against stud receivers because there’s so many coming out of college and you draft these guys in the second, third round and they come in our League and end up being a damn good player. So, it’s just an unknown to be honest with you.

“You might have first round guys that are not as productive, and you might have a third-round guy that comes out and blows it out the water,” Glenn continued. “I think that’s the exciting thing about offense and that’s the exciting thing about having three or four receivers on the field. You just don’t know which one of those guys are going to take off.”

Detroit faces another test this week, as Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are among the most talented wideouts in the NFL.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions were seeking to start an NFL season 2-0 for the first time since 2017.

In their way was another previous playoff opponent from last season. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into the Week 2 contest as a depleted group on defense, their offense found success in their opening victory against the Washington Commanders.

The Detroit Lions were seeking to start an NFL season 2-0 for the first time since 2011.

In their way was another previous playoff opponent from last season. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into the Week 2 contest as a depleted group on defense, their offense found success in their opening victory against the Washington Commanders.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ 20-16 loss to Tampa Bay:

 

KEY DEFENDERS FORCE TB INTO EARLY FG

No doubt, the Buccaneers wanted to target their key offensive weapons early in the contest.

After the Lions won the opening coin toss and deferred, wideout Chris Godwin was targeted early on the Buccaneers opening offensive drive.

Mayfield, who Terrion Arnold called a “risk-taker” earlier this week, quickly looked in the rookie’s direction, firing a deep shot to wideout Trey Palmer. The rookie was flagged for the third time in his young career, setting up Mayfield and his offense in prime field position.

Brian Branch broke up a pass in the end zone and Aidan Hutchinson pressured Mayfield to force the Buccaneers into a field goal try.

Late in the second quarter, Branch was able to pick off a Mayfield pass that was intended for Mike Evans, haulting a drive that could have resulted in Todd Bowles’ squad taking a two-score lead.

OFFICIALS MISS EARLY CALL

After the Buccaneers took an early 3-0 lead, the officials seemed to miss an interference call on wideout Jameson Williams.

Looking to be aggressive early, Goff dropped back to throw on Detroit’s first offensive play of the game. Unfortunately, cornerback Zyon McCollum intercepted the pass, as Williams was apparently interfered with, which disrupted his route.

The Buccaneers were able to extend their early lead to 6-0 on a 55-yard made field goal by Chase McLaughlin.

Mayfield runs for a TD and throws a TD pass, lifting Bucs to 20-16 win over Lions in playoff rematch

JAMESON WILLIAMS SPARKS OFFENSE

Entering Week 2, the discussion surrounding the former first-round pick was consistency, as the speedy wideout does not just want to have sporadic performances.

After the early turnover, Goff tested the Buccaneers secondary, successfully connecting on a 50-yard pass to Williams, who had gained clear separation from Jamel Dean.

The Buccaneers defense thwarted the efforts of the Lions their first occasion into the red zone, forcing Bates to make a 22-yard-field goal.

HUTCHINSON RECORDS SACKS IN BUNCHES

Aidan Hutchinson was a constant force in the backfield for the Lions, particularly with three sacks in the first quarter. He nearly derailed the Buccaneers' first drive, as he strip-sacked Mayfield to force a field goal try.

Hutchinson had sacks on each of Tampa Bay's first three drives. It was the third time in his career he has had three sacks or more in a game, and he became the fourth player since 1994 to have three sacks in the first quarter of a game.

The Michigan product has 10.5 sacks in his last four regular season games, which is the most by a Lions player over a four-game span in franchise history. He recorded another early in the second half and finished with 4.5 on the afternoon, a sack shy of a franchise record.

The former first round pick has become the first Lions player with four or more sacks in a game since Keith Ferguson did it back in 1986.

Photo gallery from Lions’ 20-16 home loss to Tampa Bay

SECONDARY BLUNDER ON TB'S FIRST TD

After Arnold missed time in the first half with a finger injury, the Buccaneers scored their first touchdown when the rookie returned.

Kindle Vildor had replaced the No. 24 overall pick for a series.

Mayfield was able to take advantage of miscommunication in the secondary, as Godwin was able to find himself completely wide open on a fake screen.

Amik Robertson fell victim to a fake screen and their appeared to be miscommunication regarding coverage on the back end.

Uncharacteristically, Detroit could not capitalize late in the second half, as several offensive players ran on the field prior to Goff spiking the football, resulting in a 10-second runoff and the half ending before a field goal try could be attempted.

At halftime, Campbell told the television broadcast, "I totally screwed my team."

AGGRESSIVENESS IN 2ND QUARTER IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE

After the Buccaneers first touchdown, Campbell dialed up the aggressiveness on Detroit's next offensive drive.

Seemingly stuffed, Detroit dialed up a fake punt from their own 20-yard line. Rookie Sione Vaki was on the receiving end of a 17-yard reception from punter Jack Fox, who has a solid passing track record on fake punts.

Later in the same drive, David Montgomery successfully ran on 4th-and-2 to move the chains.

Unfortunately, the drive stalled midway through the second quarter.

Campbell takes blame for clock-management disaster as Lions lose to Buccaneers, 20-16

OFFENSE GETS INTO RHYTHM IN 3RD, FAILS TO RECORD TDS

Detroit's first touchdown of the afternoon came towards the tail end of the third quarter.

Goff and the offense were able to convert on three third downs en route to a 12-play, 68-yard scoring drive that ate up 6:00 on the clock.

David Montgomery scored Detroit's first touchdown on a 1-yard scamper, and gave his team the lead,16-13, with a little over 3:00 remaining in the quarter.

The Buccaneers answered right away, as Mayfield drove his team 70 yards in six plays that only took a little over 2:00 off the clock. The veteran signal-caller showcased his scrambling abilities throughout the drive, and scored on an 11-yard run. It gave the Buccaneers a 20-16 lead.

Jahmyr Gibbs helped spark a scoring drive midway through the fourth quarter. A 22-yard scamper helped put Detroit in a position for the go-ahead touchdown.

Unfortunately, Goff threw an interception to Christian Izien with just over 7:00 remaining.

The Lions had two opportunities in the red zone at the end of the game, but both resulted in turnover on downs. The second of them, an incompletion to Tom Kennedy, ended the game.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions will have one of the best right tackles in the NFL available in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Penei Sewell returned to practice Friday and will be available to help one of the league’s top offensive line units.

Marcus Davenport, who had a stellar debut against the Rams, was ruled inactive after missing practice all week dealing with a groin injury.

Aaron Glenn’s defense will also welcome defensive DJ Reader into the fold. The veteran will make his Lions debut after being ruled inactive last week. He had been rehabbing a torn quadriceps tendon suffered last year while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.

A prized free agency addition, Reader appears to be a solid fit along the defensive line capable of impacting the game against both the run and pass in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme.

“Well, I talked about that last week, that he’s a man’s man,” Glenn said. “When it comes to the run game, he’s going to be a huge addition to us, but I don’t want guys to just think that’s just who he is, because he has sneaky, athletic ability to be able to help on the passing game too, because he can push the pocket. Anytime you bring a player like that back in the fold, it only helps us as a defense.”

James Houston is active this week. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw is inactive.

Here is a complete list of Lions’ Week 2 inactives:

S Ifeatu Melifonwu

CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

LB Trevor Nowaske

OL Giovanni Manu

OL Colby Sorsdal

WR Isaiah Williams

DL Marcus Davenport

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions finally began their quest to reach the pinnacle of the National Football League.

A familiar foe awaited, as the Los Angeles Rams were the first opponent to visit Ford Field this season. Detroit once again was tasked with defeating the Rams veteran signal-caller, Matthew Stafford, who relished the opportunity to avenge a disappointing playoff loss.

Fans lined up three hours early to cheer on a team that is expected to again compete for the NFC North division title.

After a light show and the Lions’ starting defense being introduced, two teams that are expected to be playoff caliber battled for 60 minutes.

Detroit was able to get out to a double-digit lead, but the Rams clawed their way into the game to force Dan Campbell’s squad into needing a fourth-quarter comeback and heroics in overtime.

After the Rams lost the coin toss in overtime, Jared Goff marched the team right down the field to send the frenzied crowd home thrilled.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ 26-20 overtime win against the Rams.

 

ONWUZURIKE REWARDS TRUST FROM COACHES

The former second-round pick was one of the bright spots all throughout this year’s training camp.

Finally healthy, the talented defensive lineman was among the defensive starters announced during pre-game introductions.

After Detroit’s defense forced a three-and-out on the Rams first possession, Stafford moved the Rams’ offense into Detroit’s territory, aided by a 16-yard completion to wideout Puka Nacua that had the offense on the 38-yard line.

Onwuzurike was able to force the Rams into settling for a field goal by sacking Stafford along with Marcus Davenport for a loss of 8 yards.

 

Photo gallery from the Lions’ 26-20 OT win on Sunday Night Football

 

LIONS ANSWERED RAMS FIRST SCORING DRIVE WITH OLD SCHOOL FOOTBALL

After the Rams took the early lead, Detroit leaned on what should be their strength for the duration of the season.

Ben Johnson started Detroit's second offensive possession with seven consecutive runs, leaning on David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to find rushing lanes created by an offensive line ready to prove they can shoulder the load.

After an incompletion on third-and-2, Montgomery was given the nod on fourth-down, as Dan Campbell benefitted from continuing his aggressive ways.

Detroit answered with a near eight-minute, 15-play, 63-yard drive that was capped off by a Jake Bates 25-yard field goal make to tie the game 3-3 early in the second quarter.

CARLTON DAVIS SPARKS LIONS EARLY

Last season, Detroit's secondary struggled to get off the field, as Aaron Glenn's unit was in the bottom tier in terms of pass coverage.

Carlton Davis was a player the front office traded for this past offseason due to his ability to lock up top wideouts on a consistent basis.

Needing a stop on fourth down midway through the second quarter, Stafford targeted Cooper Kupp unsuccessfully, as the veteran defensive forced a turnover on downs with a pass breakup.

Montgomery’s 1-yard touchdown run in OT lifts Lions to 26-20 win over Rams

JAMESON WILLIAMS TURNS ON JETS

Detroit's defensive stop gave it momentum on their third offensive possession.

Jameson Williams, who is expected to be an integral part of the offense, had a 36-yard reception and a 13-yard run that played a major factor in Detroit's first touchdown scoring drive of the season.

The two big plays highlighted a nine-play, 77-yard drive that took 4:34 off the clock. Jahmyr Gibbs had a 14-yard reception and ultimately capped off the drive with a 1-yard score that was initially ruled short but overturned after review.

After relying on power for their first two series, the Lions marched up the field with a quick pace. Speed was the theme of the possession, with Gibbs and Williams being the top two options.

To start the second half, the speedy wideout secured a 52-yard touchdown, even with Rams defensive back Tre'Davious White attempting to thwart his route with an illegal contact penalty. The explosive play excited the crowd and gave Detroit a 17-3 early in the second half.

KERBY JOSEPH’S REVENGE

Stafford has repeatedly discussed his frustrations with the manner in which the talented safety plays the game.

The former Lions signal-caller did not like that tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a torn ACL during the playoff game following Joseph's tackle.

Joseph has not shied away from playing a physical brand of football.

Late in the first half, the Rams were driving once again and threatening to tie the game before the break. However, Joseph thwarted the attempt by picking off Stafford in the end zone.

Brian Branch, who is playing at safety, nearly had multiple interceptions in his first game playing alongside Joseph extensively.

TERRION ARNOLD PICKED ON, DRAWS MULTIPLE FLAGS

Despite a 14-point deficit, the Rams battled back in the second half.

Detroit's talented defensive back did not look out of place, but incurred multiple pass interference calls in the second half.

The first occurred against Cooper Kupp in the end zone.

After Arnold briefly departed, the Rams inched closer when Kyren Williams scampered for a two-yard touchdown to trim Detroit's lead to 17-10.

On the Rams next offensive possession, the No. 24 overall pick again was called for pass interference in coverage against Demarcus Robinson. Fortunately, Detroit's defense limited the Rams to a 26-yard field goal, which trimmed their lead to 17-13 early in the fourth quarter.

ST. BROWN HAS QUIET NIGHT

After logging two catches through the Lions' first two drives, Amon-Ra St. Brown was held silent for much of the rest of the game. The USC product, coming off an All-Pro season in which he surpassed 1,500 receiving yards, finished with just three catches for 13 yards.

Goff also threw a critical interception in his direction, trying to threat the needle into a tight window. John Johnson III made a solid play on the ball and prevented it from hitting the turf, allong the Rams to take over at a critical juncture in the fourth quarter.

The Rams took their first lead of the game, 20-17, with less than five minutes remaining in the opener, as Stafford led his team on a 10-play, 80-yard drive that was capped off by a nine-yard Cupp touchdown grab.

Despite struggling for much of the second half, the Lions were able to put together a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 20. Jake Bates drilled the equalizer from 32 yards out.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions are currently five-point betting favorites to defeat the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field.

Though the team will debut a revamped defensive line and secondary, it will be without safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Loren Strickland.

Veteran DJ Reader, who only recently started to practice on a regular basis, will have to likely wait an additional seven days to make his Lions debut. He was officially ruled inactive for Detroit’s season opener against the Rams.

A surprise inactive is linebacker James Houston, who did not appear on any injury report the week leading up to the opener.

Dan Campbell expressed this week on Fox 2 Gameday Live the plan all along was to put together a team that would excite the fanbase.

There were long lines outside the stadium three hours before kickoff, as supporters have been greatly anticipating the start of the 2024 season.

Ford Field has become one of the most challenging road venues for teams to play in. Fans have consistently forced opponents to use timeouts or incur delay-of-game penalties due to the raucous environment.

“This is what it’s all about, waking the sleeping giant, waking the beast. And, the beast is alive, so now it’s up to us to continue to fuel our fans because they’re gonna show up,” said Campbell. “It is an advantage for us, it is an advantage. So, we’re looking forward to it, Sunday Night Football. Our fans are gonna be rolling, we’re gonna be ready. It’s gonna be electric.”

 

Here is the updated list of the Lions’ Week 1 inactives:

S Ifeatu Melifonwu

S Loren Strickland

LB James Houston

LB Trevor Nowaske

OL Giovanni Manu

OL Colby Sorsdal

DL DJ Reader

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions