Injuries are already shaping the destiny of this Week 6 clash between the Lions and Chiefs, and the stakes couldn't be higher! But here's where it gets controversial—the decisions made today could either fuel a team's momentum or force a last-minute scramble. And this is the part most people miss: how even minor injuries can send shockwaves through a roster. Let’s dive into the latest injury reports for both teams and break down what it all means.
The Detroit Lions (4-1) and Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) have just announced their injury statuses ahead of their Sunday Night Football showdown, and it looks like the Lions might be facing some tough calls right up until game time. Here’s the scoop on the latest injuries, with updates from the most recent report highlighted for your convenience.
Players Ruled OUT
- Running Back Sione Vaki (groin injury)
- Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill (ACL injury, still on PUP list) — 11 days left on evaluation clock
- Linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring injury)
- Cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder injury)
Vaki and Cunningham are sidelined for their third consecutive game due to lingering soft tissue injuries. The fact that neither has been placed on injured reserve hints they could return to practice soon, but with a bye week looming in Week 8, they might not get fully back into the groove before the break.
McNeill will stay on the Reserve/PUP list for another week, but according to Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers, the plan is to have him back before the Lions face the Buccaneers in Week 7. When McNeill does return, expect the Lions to ease him in, limiting his playing time in his first game back.
"I think being smart, you get him 20, 25 plays," Lions coach Dan Campbell said regarding McNeill’s expected snap count. "I think being smart, that’s the right thing to do. He’d be ready for that, no doubt."
Arnold’s absence will likely be temporary, so his designation as OUT isn’t surprising. However, we’re still waiting for more details on how long he’ll be out.
Questionable Players
- Wide Receiver Kalif Raymond (neck)
- Left Tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- Offensive Tackle Giovanni Manu (knee)
- Defensive Back Avonte Maddox (hamstring)
- Defensive Back Brian Branch (ankle)
- Safety Kerby Joseph (knee)
Raymond missed practice on Wednesday but was back on the field Thursday, giving him a chance to play Sunday. Teams are typically very cautious with neck injuries, so there’s still a chance he might sit this one out.
Decker says he’s feeling better and working toward playing this week. But since he hasn’t practiced all week, another week off is possible. That said, he’s played in games after missing all week’s practice before, so there’s still a small chance he could suit up.
Manu suddenly appeared on the injury report Thursday and missed practice Friday. His questionable status means he still has a shot at playing this week, provided Decker isn’t available or Dan Skipper hasn’t moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
Branch, Joseph, and Maddox are all labeled as game-time decisions, according to Campbell, and losing any of them would force the Lions to rethink their secondary strategy.
Branch had two limited practices this week before getting an MRI Thursday and missing Friday’s practice. Campbell mentioned it would depend on "how he’s going to feel for this game," but hinted he might be available.
"I feel like we’re going to get him to the game. I really do, but we’ll see. I can’t guarantee it, though," Campbell said.
Joseph has played after missing multiple practices in a week before, but he usually practices at least once during the week—which didn’t happen this time. His status seems more uncertain.
Maddox also popped up on the injury report Thursday, similar to Manu, which often suggests a player might miss the upcoming game. However, Campbell hasn’t ruled him out just yet, grouping him with the other game-time decisions.
Players Not Listed with an Injury Designation
- Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (wrist)
St. Brown missed practice Wednesday but was back on the field Thursday and Friday, suggesting he’ll start against the Chiefs.
"I feel all good," St. Brown said. "It’s been bothering me for a little while, but (Wednesday was) just a day to really rest, get my legs back under me. Nothing to worry about. It’ll be all good."
Chiefs’ Injury Designations
Note: Starters are bolded.
No injured players are listed with an injury designation
- Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (groin)
- Running Back Kareem Hunt (calf)
- Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder/ankle)
- Wide Receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle)
- Wide Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee)
- Right Tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee)
- Defensive Tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (shoulder)
- Defensive End Charles Omenihu (ankle)
- Linebacker Nick Bolton (calf)
- Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (knee)
- Cornerback Kristian Fulton (ankle)
Boldly put, injuries can turn a game on its head. Should teams prioritize short-term fixes or long-term player health? Where do you stand on this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
