Jarrad Davis, Joe Dahl placed on Detroit Lions IR; RB Wes Hills promoted to active roster

The Detroit Lions ended the season of two key players on Saturday. The Lions announced on that linebacker Jarrad Davis and offensive lineman Joe Dahl have been placed on injured reserve.

Both players suffered injuries during last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Davis suffered an ankle injury after an offensive lineman crashed into his lower leg. The third-year linebacker suffered a similar ankle injury in the preseason that caused him to miss the first two games of the season. With Davis out, rookie Jahlani Tavai is expected to step in at middle linebacker.

Dahl suffered injuries to his knee and back last Sunday. In his place, the Lions are expected to start Kenny Wiggins, who has been rotating in at guard every game this season. Detroit will also be starting backup tackle Tyrell Crosby at right tackle for the injured Rick Wagner (who is not on IR). It’s notable that offensive tackle Dan Skipper has been promoted from the practice squad and could be active as a backup for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.

Also promoted from the practice squad is running back Wes Hills. With Kerryon Johnson still a week away from coming back and Bo Scarbrough currently fighting through a rib injury, the Lions need some running back depth, and Hills could possibly contribute this week. The rookie back out of Slippery Rock has not made a regular season NFL appearance before, though he has been on the team’s practice squad since October.