Lions-Panthers injury report: Marvin Jones, A’Shawn Robinson OUT vs. Panthers

The Detroit Lions will be without key players both on offense and defense this week as they host the 6-3 Carolina Panthers.

Friday afternoon, the team declared that receiver Marvin Jones Jr., tight end Michael Roberts and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson will all miss Sunday’s contest.

For the Lions offense, it’s a critical hit to a team that has struggled to find its footing since trading Golden Tate away a couple weeks ago. In the past two games, the Lions have scored just 31 total points and incurred 16 sacks. With Jones and Tate now out this week, the Lions will have to rely heavily upon Kenny Golladay, TJ Jones and Theo Riddick in the receiving game.

Defensively, the loss of A’Shawn Robinson may be just as big. Robinson had been coming into his own ever since being benched in the season opener. Through 10 weeks, Robinson is Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 ranked interior defender and he’s been key in the Lions’ defensive turnaround when it comes to stopping the run. The Panthers are coming into town with the No. 3 ranked rushing attack by DVOA metrics.

For Carolina, it appears they’ll just be missing wide receiver Torrey Smith, who will sit for his fourth-straight game due to a knee injury.

Lions injury report: 11/15/18

WR Marvin Jones Jr. (knee) - Out
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle) - Out
TE Michael Roberts (shoulder) - Out
DE Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) - Questionable
DT Damon Harrison Sr. (shoulder) - Questionable

Panther injury report: 11/15/18 (estimated)

WR Torrey Smith (knee) - Out