Every Player on Injured Reserve for the Detroit Lions: A Comprehensive Breakdown

The Detroit Lions are a team that has faced its fair share of injuries throughout the 2024 season. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but they also provide opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. As the season progresses, the Lions’ depth has been tested, and several key players have been placed on injured reserve (IR), sidelining them for an extended period.

The NFL’s injured reserve list is where teams place players who are unable to play for a specified amount of time due to injury. For players placed on the IR, the earliest they can return is after four weeks, but they could remain out for the season, depending on the severity of their injuries.

Here is a rundown of every player currently on the Detroit Lions’ injured reserve list and their potential impact on the team’s season:

1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)

Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the most electrifying wide receivers for the Lions, has been a key piece of the offense since his arrival. Known for his route-running and reliability, St. Brown has been an essential weapon in quarterback Jared Goff’s arsenal. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during the first month of the season, leading to his placement on IR. His absence has been felt, as the Lions’ passing game has struggled to maintain its usual potency without him.

St. Brown’s injury came at a time when the Lions’ offense was still looking to find its rhythm, and his absence placed more pressure on players like Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds to step up. While there is optimism about St. Brown’s eventual return, his injury has been a significant blow to the Lions’ overall offense.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)

Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft, was expected to be a dynamic playmaker in both the running and passing game. However, the rookie running back has struggled with injuries that have limited his ability to showcase his talents on the field. His latest setback, a lower-body injury, has placed him on IR, and the Lions will now rely on veteran David Montgomery and backup Craig Reynolds to shoulder the load in the backfield.

Gibbs’ potential as a dual-threat back was a major part of Detroit’s offensive game plan, and his absence leaves a void in the running back rotation. Montgomery has proven to be a capable replacement, but Gibbs’ unique skill set—especially as a receiving back—will be sorely missed as the Lions look to stay competitive in a crowded NFC North.

3. David Montgomery (Running Back)

David Montgomery, another key offensive piece for Detroit, has also found himself sidelined due to a knee injury. Like Gibbs, Montgomery’s injury has placed a strain on the Lions’ rushing attack, although his injury came at a later point in the season. The absence of both of their top running backs has forced the Lions to turn to lesser-known options like Reynolds and even fullback Jason Cabinda to fill in.

Montgomery’s tough, physical style was a big reason why the Lions’ offense had been able to grind out games earlier in the season. With his status on IR, Detroit’s offensive balance has been thrown off, making it harder for the team to sustain long drives and control the clock.

4. Emmanuel Moseley (Cornerback)

Emmanuel Moseley, one of Detroit’s primary cornerbacks, has had a rough 2024 season, with a knee injury keeping him sidelined. Moseley, who had signed with the Lions in the offseason, was expected to bring stability to a secondary that had been inconsistent in recent years. His ability to cover top receivers and provide a reliable option opposite Jeff Okudah was viewed as one of the Lions’ key defensive upgrades.

Unfortunately, Moseley’s injury has been a setback for the Lions’ defense. With him on IR, Detroit has had to lean more heavily on Okudah and rookie Brian Branch, and the cornerback group has had mixed results. Moseley’s absence highlights the Lions’ lack of depth at cornerback and how injuries can have a domino effect on the defense.

5. James Houston (Edge Rusher)

The pass-rushing unit for the Lions took a significant hit when James Houston, a breakout star from the previous season, was placed on IR due to a fractured hand. Houston’s ability to rush the passer was critical for the Lions’ defensive success, and his absence has left a noticeable gap on the edge.

While Detroit has other capable pass rushers, including veterans like Charles Harris and rookie Aidan Hutchinson, Houston’s unique blend of speed and power made him a dangerous threat off the edge. His injury has forced the Lions to rely more heavily on other players to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which can lead to inconsistencies in the defense.

6. Alim McNeill (Defensive Tackle)

Alim McNeill, the Lions’ stalwart defensive tackle, has been another casualty of the injury bug, suffering from a lower-body injury that has placed him on IR. McNeill is known for his ability to clog up the middle of the field and be a disruptive force in the trenches. His presence is vital to Detroit’s run defense and its ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Without McNeill, the Lions have had to rotate more players in and out at defensive tackle, which has resulted in some inconsistency. The defensive line has not been as effective at stopping the run, and McNeill’s absence is one of the primary reasons why the Lions have struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks.

7. Josh Paschal (Defensive End)

Josh Paschal, another promising pass rusher for Detroit, was placed on IR after dealing with injuries that have kept him off the field. Paschal’s role on the defensive line, while not as prominent as Hutchinson’s or Harris’ duties, was still crucial to the Lions’ overall defensive scheme. His injury adds to the growing list of absences along Detroit’s defensive line, further exacerbating the unit’s struggles in getting pressure and stopping the run.

Paschal’s potential as a rotational pass rusher was seen as a key part of the Lions’ plans for 2024, but his injury has left another void in the defense.