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As the week rolled on, it became clear that the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers would both have a limited roster to work with in Week 3. The Lions were absolutely devastated at the linebacker position after their game against the Titans, while several key players on the Packers side missed practice all week. The result was 13 “questionable” players between both teams on Friday’s injury report.
The news on Saturday is actually worse. Both players the Lions designated as doubtful on Friday have been downgraded to out. That means the Lions will be without both DeAndre Levy and Antwione Williams, depleting the linebacker unit. Additionally, Adairius Barnes, who was listed as questionable, is now confirmed to be out.
On the Packers side, safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker Clay Matthews—both listed as questionable—have also been downgraded to out. Burnett’s absence leaves a secondary that’s already hurting with the loss of Sam Shields even more depleted. Matthews is the team’s best pass rusher and the Packers defense will look a lot different without him. To put it another way:
In other words, #Packers won't have best pass rusher, top CB, safety leader and (probably) 2 of their 4 best run defenders vs. Lions. Joy.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 24, 2016
The two run defenders Ryan Wood is referring to are Letroy Guion and Datone Jones. Both are listed as questionable and both did not practice once all week.
It may only be Week 3, but both teams are going to have beat-up defenses. We may be in for a shootout in rainy Green Bay on Sunday.