In the Week 17 game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, fans were initially concerned when right tackle Penei Sewell was seen heading to the locker room early just before halftime. It was clear something was amiss, and speculation about an injury began to swirl. Sewell, a pivotal piece of Detroit’s offensive line, had been playing a significant role in their push toward the playoffs, and any injury to him could be a major setback for the team.
After the Lions secured a hard-fought 40-34 victory over the 49ers on Monday night, head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation, revealing that Sewell was dealing with a thumb injury. Fortunately for the Lions, Campbell seemed optimistic about Sewell’s condition, noting that it didn’t appear to be a serious issue.
“Should be good,” Campbell said when asked about Sewell’s status after the game. This comment brought some relief to fans who were anxious about the injury, especially given the importance of Sewell to the Lions’ offensive line. He has been a key component of their offense this season, providing stability and strength on the right side, helping to open running lanes and protect the quarterback. With the Lions’ playoff hopes on the line, losing Sewell, even for a short period, would have been a significant blow.
While the injury appeared manageable, the timing of Sewell’s injury and Campbell’s decision to play his starters in a seemingly meaningless game raised questions. With the Minnesota Vikings defeating the Green Bay Packers earlier in the weekend, the Lions’ Week 17 matchup against the 49ers no longer carried playoff implications. The Vikings’ win meant that the NFC North title was already out of reach, and the Lions’ next game against the Vikings in Week 18 would be a win-or-go-home affair for the division crown and a potential top seed in the NFC.
The decision to play the starters in Week 17 was something Campbell mulled over for a moment, knowing the potential risk of injury. However, he explained his reasoning to the media, emphasizing that it wouldn’t have been fair to ask reserves who weren’t prepared to step in for the starters to play in a high-stakes game. Since the Lions’ starters had been practicing all week, Campbell felt that they should play to keep their rhythm intact. He also explained that if he had chosen to bench all of the starters, some would still have had to play in order to maintain continuity and keep the game competitive.
“I thought about benching my starters after the Vikings win,” Campbell said, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. “But I thought it wouldn’t have been fair to ask reserves who weren’t prepared to play to step in, since the starters practiced all week. And since you can’t bench everybody, some starters still would’ve played.”
This decision was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, it’s understandable why Campbell wouldn’t want to disrupt the team’s flow by benching key players who had been preparing for a tough game. On the other hand, the risk of injury—especially with a player as valuable as Sewell—was a concern that couldn’t be ignored. The fact that Sewell was able to finish the game suggests the injury was not severe, but Campbell’s decision to keep his starters in a game with no immediate postseason stakes remains a topic of discussion.
The good news for the Lions is that Sewell’s ability to finish the game indicates that the injury was manageable. As any NFL fan knows, players often play through minor injuries, and given Sewell’s toughness and work ethic, it seems likely that he will be ready for the critical Week 18 showdown against the Vikings. This game, scheduled for January 5, will determine the NFC North champion and potentially decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC. For a team like the Lions, who have been building momentum and confidence throughout the season, having Sewell in the lineup for this winner-takes-all matchup is crucial.
Despite his injury, Sewell is known for his resilience and toughness, and it will take a lot more than a thumb injury to keep him off the field. The Lions’ offensive line has been a major strength this season, and Sewell’s presence on the right side is essential in both pass protection and running the ball. If the thumb injury were to worsen over the next few days, Sewell would undoubtedly do everything in his power to get back on the field, especially with so much on the line in Week 18.
Looking ahead, the Lions will need to make sure that they rest up and recover during the week, not just for Sewell, but for the entire team. After a hard-fought win over the 49ers, they now face their most important game of the season. The Vikings, who sit atop the NFC North standings, will provide a formidable challenge, but the Lions have shown they can compete with anyone in the league, especially with their potent offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and a revitalized defense.
The Lions’ Week 17 victory over the 49ers was an impressive one, showing that they are capable of competing at a high level even when the stakes are unclear. With the NFC North title and a potential first-round playoff bye on the line in Week 18, the Lions will be looking to carry that momentum into the next game. As for Sewell, all signs point to him being ready for the matchup against Minnesota, but his thumb injury will remain something to monitor in the coming days. Given his toughness and dedication, it’s likely that Sewell will play through the pain, but the Lions will continue to evaluate his condition to ensure he is at full strength for the most important game of their season.
The Week 18 game between the Lions and Vikings will be a thrilling, high-stakes matchup, with both teams vying for the division title and a potential top seed in the NFC playoffs. As long as Sewell is healthy and ready to play, the Lions will have their cornerstone offensive lineman in place, giving them a much-needed boost as they look to take down the Vikings and secure a spot in the postseason.
