DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions host the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. It’s the first of three home games in a row, and in a hurry.
See below for our projected depth chart heading into Week 12:
Quarterbacks
1. Jared Goff
2. Kyle Allen
Jared Goff has probably been counting down the seconds to getting back on the field. Last week’s showing against the Philadelphia Eagles was one to forget. He posted the worst completion percentage of his career, had a brutal day with Amon-Ra St. Brown, not to mention five passes batted down at the line of scrimmage.
Running backs
1. Jahmyr Gibbs
2. David Montgomery
3. Jacob Saylors
4. Sione Vaki
Questionable: Sione Vaki (ankle)
After Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery had an even split in Dan Campbell’s first game back calling the offense, the running game never found its rhythm in Philadelphia. This group needs -- and should have -- a big day against the Giants.
Gibbs had a big one through the air, topping 100 receiving yards, with a pair of electric screens. But the ground game was limited to 74 yards on 11 rushes.
New York’s defense has surrendered 100-plus rushing yards in all but one game in 2025, when they held the lowly New Orleans Saints to 88 yards.
“Well, I’d always like to get David more carries,” Campbell said this week. “Always.”
Wide receivers
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown
2. Jameson Williams
3. Kalif Raymond
4. Isaac TeSlaa
5. Dominic Lovett
Questionable: Isaac TeSlaa (oblique)
Isaac TeSlaa played through his oblique injury last weekend. He also practiced in a limited capacity all week after playing 20 snaps for the second straight game. TeSlaa could see a bigger role in Sam LaPorta’s absence, with the Lions relying less on their tight end depth, opening a target void.
“He’ll have a little bit more. They do play a lot of man-to-man, on third down especially, end zone,” Lions offensive coordinator John Morton said of TeSlaa. “So, it’s just like I said with everybody, everybody’s going to have a certain role. It’s our job to be creative, try to get these guys open and put him in certain spots that he’s really good at right now. And he’s still learning. Listen, he’s tough, he’s physical. I love that part. He’s a blocker. I mean, all our wideouts are, but he is. He’s got it, and he’s a Lion for that because he blocks his butt off.
“So, it’s only a matter of time for - he’s going to have a breakout game. We’ll see.”
Tight ends
1. Brock Wright
2. Ross Dwelley
3. Anthony Firkser (elevation)
Brock Wright played a season-high 49 offensive plays in the first game without LaPorta. But Ross Dwelley saw his role drop to only one snap, and Jackson Meeks played only one, as well, as a practice squad elevation.
Wright will continue to handle a heavier role, potentially for the rest of the season. Anthony Firkser brings experience across the league and with this franchise. But it feels like another Wright- and receiver-heavy day.
Offensive line
Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Kayode Awosika, C Graham Glasgow, RG Tate Ratledge, RT Penei Sewell
Reserves: OT Dan Skipper, OL Trystan Colon, OL Michael Niese
Questionable: Taylor Decker (shoulder), Penei Sewell (ankle), Graham Glasgow (knee), Tate Ratledge (knee)
Out: Miles Frazier (knee)
Four of the team’s starting offensive linemen are questionable. But Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell have continued to play through issues, and Graham Glasgow and Tate Ratledge practiced in a limited capacity all week. The Lions didn’t elevate or sign any further depth, and that’s always a good omen.
This group needs to get back on track, and they’re going to have their hands full. Giants pass rusher Brian Burns has 13 sacks, first-round rookie Abdul Carter has 30-plus pressures, and Dexter Lawrence is a potential game-wrecker.
Defensive line
Starters: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DL Alim McNeill, DT D.J. Reader, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
Reserves: DT Tyleik Williams, DL Roy Lopez, DL Tyler Lacy, DL Mekhi Wingo, EDGE Tyrus Wheat, DL Quinton Jefferson
Out: EDGE Josh Paschal (back), EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder)
Kelvin Sheppard and Co. got creative last week. Alim McNeill started and played 17 snaps on the edge. Tyleik Williams played 30-plus snaps after two weeks of less playing time. Roy Lopez even saw his role grow to 24 plays, and he continues to make the most of his opportunities.
Expect more of that because the beefier defensive front was a standout from the trip to Philadelphia.
Linebackers
Starters: (WILL) Alex Anzalone, (MIKE) Jack Campbell and (SAM) Derrick Barnes
Reserves: Trevor Nowaske, Grant Stuard, Malcolm Rodriguez
Welcome back, Malcolm Rodriguez.
The Lions linebackers are cooking right now, and the trio of Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes is playing a ton of snaps. Rodriguez is a proven run-stopper, but feels best suited for a heavy special teams role as he gets back to speed.
Secondary
Starters: CB Amik Robertson, CB D.J. Reed, S Brian Branch, S Thomas Harper, Slot CB Arthur Maulet
Reserves: CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Khalil Dorsey, CB Nick Whiteside, S Daniel Thomas, DB Avonte Maddox
Out: CB Terrion Arnold (concussion), S Kerby Joseph (knee)
The secondary is tricky this week. If the Lions were playing more nickel, it would be easy to slide Amik Robertson back there to keep D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin on the field. But my take is that Reed and Robertson will start on the outside, and Ya-Sin will slide back into a rotation role. Just don’t be surprised if it’s Robertson, and not Arthur Maulet, in the slot when they do play nickel. In that case, Ya-Sin could slide outside for those certain looks on the other side of the returning Reed.
Reed’s return is a big-time boost. He was the team’s splashy signing in free agency, and the veteran has played as advertised. His passer rating allowed in coverage ranks eighth in the league, and Reed didn’t allow a touchdown across his four games of action.
When Terrion Arnold returns from concussion protocol, the Lions will have their cornerback rotation back. Kerby Joseph remains out, too, but is said to be heading in the right direction.
Reed and Khalil Dorsey were activated and removed from the injury report on Saturday.
Special teams
K Jake Bates
P Jack Fox
LS Hogan Hatten
KR Jacob Saylors, Kalif Raymond
PR Kalif Raymond
With Sione Vaki questionable, and based on last week’s rotation, it looks like Jacob Saylors and Kalif Raymong will handle kickoffs. Raymond was aggressive as a punt returner last week, but didn’t find much success. He can break one in the blink of an eye, though, and should remain aggressive.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.