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.
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Kickoff for the game is set for 8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 18) for the fourth installment of the Lions and Commanders duking it out in the playoffs.
The three previous installments went in favor of the Commanders, who beat Detroit in the 1999 Wild Card Round 27-13 in Landover, Maryland.
The Commanders before that eliminated the Lions 41-10 in the NFC Championship game in the nation’s capital and again in the 1982 strike-shorten season 31-7 inside Robert F. Kennedy Stadium.
But the 2024 Lions feel like this year’s team is different than those in years past, as they have locked up the best record in the league at 15-2.
“We got some things to clean up, but playing Detroit, they’re the No. 1 seed for a reason,” said wide receiver Terry McLaurin. “They got our respect, but there’s a reason we say ‘Anywhere, anytime, anyplace.’”
Like the Commanders, the Lions have been rolling during the 2024 season as they’ve clinched the best record in the conference, winning the NFC North Division and securing a much-needed bye-week while locking up the No. 1 seed.
The 15-2 record set a franchise record for most wins in a regular season, but Detroit has been ravaged by injuries to most of their big-name players on both sides of the ball.
But the good news is those big names could potentially return for Saturday’s matchup, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
Ahead of their bye week, the Lions saw key contributors like linebacker Alex Anzalone and All-Pro punt returner Kalif Raymond return to the field during their Week 18 prime-time matchup for all the chips vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
During their 31-9 victory, the Lions added a few more players to the updated injury report as cornerback Terrion Arnold was carted off the field and later seen in a walking boot during the bye week after suffering a foot injury.
They also lost guard Kevin Zeitler to an apparent hamstring injury in the victory; Campbell said both players were headed in the right direction but did not promise they would suit up vs. Washington.
Campbell spoke during their bye week and gave positive feedback on two other players who could potentially boost both sides of the ball.
David Montgomery
There have been rumblings that running back David Montgomery (Knuckles) could potentially return from his torn MCL during the playoffs, and Campbell all but confirmed that he will suit up this weekend.
Reporter: “Are you expecting to have Montgomery next week when you play your playoff game?”
Campbell: “I do, I do.”
--> Injury update on 7 Detroit Lions players: Aidan Hutchinson, David Montgomery, Terrion Arnold, others
With Knuckles sidelined, sidekick Jahmyr Gibbs (Sonic the Hedgehog) collected a multitude of coins as he passed every board with flying colors, including 170 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns while receiving NFC Player of the Week honors.
--> ‘We’re No. 1′: Detroit Lions set franchise records as multitude of players shine on SNF
But it’s safe to say the duo’s reuniting will cause havoc for future opponents, including the Commanders.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions designated rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from the injured reserve after missing most of the season due to a hamstring injury.
On Thursday (Jan. 9), Campbell said he believed he could return sometime this season.
This would be a massive boost for the Lions, who are without cornerback Carlton Davis III due to a broken jaw.
Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions have been tight-lipped on the status of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson was in the midst of achieving the Defensive Player of the Year award before breaking his tibia and fibula in his left leg during an Oct. 13 battle inside Jerry’s World against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hutchinson said he was targeting a return by Super Bowl LIX, but Campbell tempered expectations by saying he was out for the season.
“He has a season-ending injury, but if anybody can come back from this, it would be Aidan, is the best way to say it,” Campbell said.
