Another demonic ailment that nearly led to and designations occurred in Week 17: Cam Sutton is dubious, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson is out.
The Week 17 injury designations for the Detroit Lions (11-4) and Dallas Cowboys (10-5) indicate that they may have a depleted secondary due to a defensive back’s late-week injury and another player’s slower-than-expected recovery.
Wright will miss his second straight game since he has not practiced in the past two weeks. Since he avoided going on injured reserve, where he would have missed four weeks of action, it is likely that the Lions anticipated he would be prepared for the postseason. James Mitchell is promoted to the TE2 position in the interim.
James Houston has 20 days to determine whether or not he can rejoin the active roster after his injury evaluation clock started on Thursday. Being ruled out means he will not be lifted for this game, but he is still eligible to return at any point. He may make a comeback in Week 18 or during the playoffs.
Although Gardner-Johnson has shown signs of improving over the past several weeks, it does not seem like he is ready to be activated just yet. We will probably have to wait until Week 18 for him to return because he has been ruled out.
Sutton did not show up for practice on Thursday, seemingly suffering from a toe ailment sustained midweek. He could play on Sunday despite the dubious designation, but it is usually tough to heal from midweek injuries in time for a Sunday, much less a Saturday one.
Though they received veteran rest days on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, neither Decker nor Ragnow will be listed as injured going into the game. Additionally, Sewell is not designated, so the Lions will once again have their full starting offensive line together.
Despite missing the game the previous weekend, Barnes and Jacobs both completed a full week of practice and are ready to take on the Cowboys.
Cabinda was added to the 53-man roster and formally activated from injured reserve. He is cleared to play because he does not have an injury classification going into this match. The Lions waived LB Trevor Nowaske and CB Chase Lucas in addition to signing Cabinda. One of those spots is currently available for Cabinda to take, while the other is still up for grabs in the future.
