Who will win the battle in the head-to-head of two weakened units?
The Colts offensive line will be out three starters:
- LT Bernhard Raimann will miss his second straight game
- C Ryan Kelly will miss his third straight game
- RG Will Fries will miss his seventh straight game
- RT Braden Smith will start but was limited in practice this week due to a foot injury
The Lions front-seven is missing these players from the start of the season:
- DE Aidan Hutchinson
- DE Marcus Davenport
- LB Alex Anzalone
- LB Derrick Barnes
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- DE/DT John Cominsky
- DT Kyle Peko
At the LB position, the Lions will rely heavily on former 1st-rounder, 2nd-year player Jack Campbell and 3rd-year player Malcolm Rodriguez. Both played ≥ 90% of snaps last game when Alex Anzalone fractured his forearm. Keeping those two healthy may be crucial until Anzalone returns in about six weeks.
With QB Anthony Richardson posing a powerful, fast rushing threat, can the Lions contain him without Anzalone, their fastest LB? The Lions secondary, which includes two excellent safeties (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph), may be called on to fill the speed void.
At the DE position, the Lions added Za’Darius Smith in a trade two weeks ago and he played 77% of snaps last game. Josh Paschal starts at the other DE spot and played 88% of snaps. Rotating in will be James Houston and Levi Onwuzurike.
At DT, the Lions rely on Alim McNeill (83% snaps last game) and DJ Reader (58% snaps). Pat O’Connor and 6th-round rookie Mekhi Wingo will rotate in.
Pressuring the passer has been a concern for the Lions since the loss of Hutchinson. Can the Lions defensive line win against the Colts offensive line and get quick pressures on the 2nd-year QB who is still finding his bearings?
