Detroit Lions Week 12 injury report: 5 starters declared OUT vs. Washington

The Detroit Lions will be missing key players on both sides of the ball for this Sunday’s game in Washington. On Friday, the team declared six players out, including five starters.

On offense, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford and starting center Frank Ragnow are out after missing all week of practice. Jeff Driskel will make his third consecutive start at quarterback for the Lions, while guard Graham Glasgow will likely slide over to center, allowing veteran Kenny Wiggins to fill the spot at right guard.

Head coach Matt Patricia thinks the guard rotation they have used all season could help ease the transition of a new offensive line lineup.

“I think that’s definitely been unique for us this year, to have that rotation at the offensive line we’ve used,” Patricia said. “Currently in the situation we’re in, hopefully it works to our benefit, because those guys have all worked together in some capacity of the arrangement of the five that are out there.”

Defensively, the Lions will be short two key pieces on the defensive line: defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand and edge rusher Trey Flowers. Hand’s second year continues to be riddled with injury as he has now missed all of the preseason and nine of 11 regular season games. This will be the first game Flowers misses, as he is in concussion protocol following a brain injury during last week’s game.

In addition to those two, the Lions will also be missing safety Tracy Walker and returner Jamal Agnew.

New to the injury report on Friday is cornerback Rashaan Melvin, who was limited on Friday with a rib injury. He’s listed as questionable. If he can’t go, it’s a chance for rookie Amani Oruwariye to get more action. He made his debut on defense last week against the Cowboys.

Lions injury report:

QB Matthew Stafford (hip/back) - Out
C Frank Ragnow (concussion) - Out
DT Da’Shawn Hand (ankle) - Out
DE Trey Flowers (concussion) - Out
S Tracy Walker (knee) - Out
CB Jamal Agnew (ankle) - Out
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs) - Questionable

Washington

TE Vernon Davis (concussion) - Out
DT Daron Payne (ankle) - Doubtful
RB Adrian Peterson (toe) - Questionable
RB Chris Thompson (toe) - Questionable
CB Josh Norman (hamstring) - Questionable