Week Seven Injury Report: Rams V. Lions
The Los Angeles Rams will play host to the Detroit Lions this week. The Rams look to try to improve to 6-1. Meanwhile, the Lions will attempt to get their first win of the season. The Rams are obviously heavy favorites this week. SoFi Stadium should be rocking in Jared Goff‘s return to Los Angeles. Let’s look at the injury report for this week and how it may affect the outcome of the game.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams lost a couple of players to injured reserve last week. Thankfully, they are not starters but the offense did lose blocking tight end Johnny Mundt to a torn ACL and kick returner/running back Jake Funk to a torn hamstring. Those are key losses as they fill roles on offense and both contribute heavily on special teams. However, other than those two players the Rams remain relatively healthy. Let’s look at the last update to the Rams injury report.
Sony Michel
Backup running back Sony Michel did not participate Wednesday with a shoulder injury. He was limited the rest of the week and is listed as questionable. He will likely play but may be held back a bit. Thankfully, starter Darrell Henderson should be able to shoulder the load for the most part (no pun intended). In addition, the Lions allow running backs to run wild so I don’t anticipate the Rams rushing attack to suffer too much.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have a whole lot of players on injured reserve. From role players to starters, they’re missing key pieces on both sides of the ball. For a team that is 0-6 and not very good already, that is troubling, to say the least.
Lions players on injured reserve include; Taylor Decker (starting tackle), Frank Ragnow (starting center), Quintez Cephus (starting receiver), Tyrell Williams (starting receiver), Tyrell Crosby, Tim Boyle, Hunter Bryant, Charlie Taumoepeau, Corey Ballentine, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Da’Shawn Hand, Joel Heath, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Jeff Okudah (starting cornerback), Romeo Okwara (starting defensive end), and Kevin Strong. With all that said, let’s take a peek at the Lions most recent additions to the injury report.
Jason Cabinda
Jason Cabinda is the fullback for the Lions. He did not participate with a hip injury Wednesday. He has since been limited all week. Cabinda is important as a blocker for the Lions. In addition, Goff may need extra protection this week and the Lions rushing attack could struggle if Cabinda misses this game.
Trey Flowers
Trey Flowers is a starting edge rusher for the Lions. He has been limited all week with a knee injury. Flowers has been a disappointment going back to 2020. This year he only has 5 total pressures in 4 games. However, if he can’t go that is bad considering with him, the Lions are the third-worst pass rush in the NFL. Lastly, they can’t afford to miss anyone at this point or they’re going to have to bring in workers from Ford Headquarters to suit up.
T.J. Hockenson
T.J. Hockenson is Goff’s favorite receiver. However, he did not participate Wednesday and was limited the rest of this week with a knee injury. If Goff is missing him it will mean one less target on an already struggling offense. Hockenson is probably their most talented receiver. He likely plays but even being hobbled makes it that much harder for Goff to find receivers with separation.
D’Andre Swift
D’Andre Swift is Goff’s other favorite target and the starting running back for the Lions. He has been limited all week with a groin injury (personal experience…OUCH). Groin injuries can be tricky especially for a running back as those muscles are involved in everything you do. If he can’t go it is a serious problem. Even being hampered by it makes his job difficult. However, Jamaal Williams is a solid back himself and should help alleviate the concern a bit if Swift can’t play.
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