The NFL opens Week 2 with a fresh round of injury news, and the Lions are the biggest losers. Detroit is down two starting offensive linemen for Thursday night’s game against the Bills, with Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany both ruled out.
Miller, the starting right tackle, suffered a knee injury. Mahogany, the starting left guard, hurt his hip. Both were officially ruled out for the game.
Veteran cornerback D.J. Reed is also questionable with a foot injury after being a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Lions will need him healthy if they want to slow the Bills’ passing attack.
The Bills’ Injury List
Buffalo has its own concerns. Safety Cole Bishop (knee/groin), running back Ty Johnson (hamstring) and defensive lineman T.J. Sanders (knee/illness) are all questionable to play on Thursday. All three were limited participants in practice Wednesday.
The Bills’ defense will be tested early, with Bishop’s status hanging in the balance. Johnson and Sanders could also see reduced roles if they play at all.
The Week 2 Slate
The Lions-Bills game kicks off Thursday at 8:15 p.m. on Amazon. The game will be streamed live, and the injury reports will shape how both teams approach the opener.
The rest of Week 2 features a full slate of games on Sunday, with the Panthers facing the Falcons, the Vikings taking on the Bears, the Eagles meeting the Titans, the Steelers visiting the Patriots, the Packers playing the Jets and the Browns traveling to the Buccaneers.
Other Teams to Watch
The Panthers lost pass rusher Patrick Jones II to a back issue, and he sat out practice Wednesday. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III also missed practice. Wide receiver Jalen Coker, who had 138 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, was limited with an ankle injury but is aiming to play Sunday.
Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), A.J. Terrell (shoulder) and Chris Lindstrom (concussion) did not practice Wednesday for the Falcons. Quarterbacks Cooper Rush (back) and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) were full participants, raising the question of whether Penix can return on Sunday.
Key Facts Box
- Game: Lions at Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. (Amazon)
- Out: Blake Miller (right tackle, knee), Christian Mahogany (left guard, hip)
- Questionable: Cole Bishop (safety, knee/groin), Ty Johnson (running back, hamstring), T.J. Sanders (defensive lineman, knee/illness)
- Also questionable: D.J. Reed (cornerback, foot)
What It Means for the Lions
The Lions are now down two starters. That is a significant blow to an offensive line that was already thin.
What It Means for the Bills
The Bills have three key players in doubt. Their defense will be tested early, with Bishop’s status hanging in the balance. Johnson and Sanders could also see reduced roles if they play at all.
Preparing for the Opener
The injury report will shape how both teams prepare for the game. The Lions will likely shuffle their offensive line to account for the losses, and the Bills will have to manage their roster carefully.
Thursday night football has a new storyline. The Lions are down two starters, and the Bills are fighting to keep their best players on the field.
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