The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a critical Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions, but their matchup will be without one of the top players in the NFL at his position.
Detroit released its final injury report for Week 11, and it will be without four players for the game. The biggest name on the list is tight end Sam LaPorta, who is second on the team in receptions (40), yards (489), and third in touchdowns (three).
Here are the rest of the Lions who have been ruled out of the game:
Sam LaPorta, TE (Back)
Terrion Arnold, CB (Concussion)
Kerby Joseph, S (Knee)
Josh Paschal, DE (Back)
Eagles about to face a banged-up Lions team
It seems to be a common theme with the Lions, who are often plagued by injuries, but they always find a way to fight back and win games. LaPorta is a massive loss for the Detroit offense, though, as he is Jared Goff's security blanket. That will make it easier on the Eagles' safeties, Reed Blankenship and Andrew Mukuba, in coverage, not to worry about him.
Philly's offense caught a break with Arnold and Joseph both being out. This could be the Eagles' chance to finally get A.J. Brown going after all the talk about his three targets in the 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 10. Fans are aware of the drama that sparked all week.
There should be opportunities, though, for big plays to occur in the passing game. Watch for Jalen Hurts to be more aggressive with his passes if he's got Brown or DeVonta Smith one-on-one in coverage.
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Detroit has a laundry list of players who are also questionable for the game, so it's possible the list of players who could be out may not be exhaustive. This doesn't mean the Eagles should sleep on the Lions, as their opponents are one of the best teams in the NFL.