Already banged up and missing several regulars on defense entering the Week 12 trip to Indianapolis, the Detroit Lions found themselves scrambling even more to field 11 healthy bodies when the Colts were on offense. It led to a stern test of Detroit’s team depth.
Aaron Glenn and the Lions passed with flying colors in a 24-6 win, the second consecutive game the Detroit defense didn’t allow a touchdown.
With Terrion Arnold ruled out on Saturday and Ennis Rakestraw placed on I.R., the Lions cornerback room was in full triage mode. The team turned to Kindle Vildor to start on the outside with Carlton Davis, who is playing with a broken thumb. Vildor played all 55 defensive snaps, one of four iron men on the Detroit defense.
Emmanuel Moseley only played on special teams in his return to the lineup. Moseley did not get in on defense.
Vildor, Brian Branch, Jack Campbell and Kerby Joseph all played every snap. Davis, who left late with a knee issue, joined DL Josh Paschal and LB Malcolm Rodriguez in playing 49 of the 55 snaps. DT Alim McNeill continued his heavy workload by playing over 80 percent of snaps for the fourth time in five games, logging 46 reps in Indianapolis.
SAM LB Trevor Nowaske outrepped nickel CB Amik Robertson, 21 to 18. The Colts use a base offense that features two tight ends, which reduced Robertson’s role in the slot. That also meant more playing time for linebackers Ezekiel Turner and Ben Niemann (11 each). David Long topped them with 13 snaps in his Detroit debut, playing as a practice squad elevation.
Pat O’Connor saw nine snaps and James Houston played four in the reserve EDGE roles. Levi Onwuzurike ticked up to 40 percent of snaps this week after having his reps decline precipitously in Week 11.
On offense, the main characters stayed in their primary roles. Other than LT Taylor Decker leaving temporarily with a leg injury, the offensive line and QB Jared Goff played all 72 offensive reps. Decker missed 14 snaps, filled primarily by Dan Skipper, who logged 15 snaps–including two as an extra tackle. Michael Niese saw one odd snap at left guard while regular LG Graham Glasgow kicked to Decker’s spot at LT.
The running back splits were impacted by David Montgomery’s departure with a shoulder injury.
Jahmyr Gibbs – 48
Montgomery – 21
Craig Reynolds – 3
Sione Vaki – 1
No. 3 wide receiver Tim Patrick and No. 2 TE Brock Wright played almost the same amount, with Patrick getting two more snaps, 36 to 34.
