Full Breakdown
Injury Updates Ahead of Lions-Packers Thanksgiving Showdown
11/25/2025, 2:16:04 PM
Overview of Injury Reports
As the Detroit Lions (7-4) prepare to face the Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) on Thanksgiving Day, both teams have released their initial injury reports. The Lions are coming off an overtime victory against the New York Giants and are conducting walkthroughs to manage player recovery. Notably, tight end Sam LaPorta has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to back surgery, as confirmed by Lions coach Dan Campbell. “Sam did have a procedure, and he’s going to be out for a while,” Campbell stated, indicating a slim chance of LaPorta returning this season.
Key Players Affected
The Lions have seen some positive developments, with linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, cornerback D.J. Reed, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey removed from the injury report. However, several players remain questionable. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond is dealing with an ankle injury sustained in Week 12, while tight end Brock Wright is managing a neck injury. Center Graham Glasgow has also been downgraded due to a knee issue.
On the Packers' side, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is listed with a calf injury but currently has no game status designation. Other key players, including running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Keisean Nixon, did not practice due to various injuries.
Notable Returns and Participation Levels
Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has returned to practice in a limited capacity after suffering a concussion earlier this month. Campbell noted that Arnold has made progress in concussion protocol, stating, “It’s a checkmark for Day 1. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.” Meanwhile, defensive end Marcus Davenport and offensive lineman Miles Frazier have also returned to practice, with decisions on their activation expected soon.
For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love is managing a separated left shoulder but is expected to start against the Lions. Love has been practicing fully and insists that he is “fine for the most part,” despite the injury affecting his performance in recent games.
Criticism & Opposition
Concerns have been raised regarding the Lions' handling of injuries, particularly with LaPorta's situation and the potential impact on the team's offensive strategy. Critics argue that the loss of LaPorta could hinder the Lions' performance against a competitive Packers defense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Lions have reported several injuries, the status of players like Graham Glasgow and Kerby Joseph remains uncertain. Glasgow's knee injury has raised questions about his availability, while Joseph has missed significant practice time. The Packers' injury report also lacks clarity on the extent of injuries affecting key players, particularly Wicks and Jacobs.
What's Next
The Lions and Packers will face off at Ford Field in Detroit on November 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET. Both teams will finalize their rosters and injury statuses leading up to the game, with significant implications for the NFC North standings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sam did have a procedure, and he’s going to be out for a while, a while,” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions
- “We did some stuff with him. It's a checkmark for Day 1. We'll see,” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions
- “fine for the most part.” — Jordan Love, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
