For the Lions, there was good news and bad news on the initial injury report. David Montgomery and Terrion Arnold are looking ready to go on Saturday, while Kevin Zeitler, Ennis Rakestraw, and Pat O’Connor will need to trend sharply upwards this week in order to have a chance.
The Commanders have a lengthy report but most players are either FP’s or NP’s due to rest. The most significant injury I saw in their first playoff game was Daron Payne’s finger and there is good news for the Commanders on this initial report.
(Abbreviations: UL=unlisted, NP=no practice, LP=limited practice, FP=full practice)
DETROIT LIONS
(walkthrough only)
David Montgomery, RB – knee (FP)
Excellent news for Montgomery with an FP on the initial report after missing 4 weeks due to at least an MCL injury. The FP means he’ll be playing on Saturday.
I don’t expect there to be any limitations to his snap count based on how the Lions have handled players in their first game back such as Jahmyr Gibbs with his hamstring last year (87% snaps), Montgomery himself with his ribs last year (38%), and Alex Anzalone with his forearm last week (98%).
Prior to his injury, Montgomery was logging around 30-50% of snaps and I would anticipate him in the range of 30% for this game given Gibbs recent high production.
David Montgomery R knee injury video
-Unclear moment of injury
-1st clip is suspicious play when leg gets tangled up. Stayed in.
-Next carry R leg appears to give out
-Returned after halftime with knee wrap and finished game. No sig concern but worth watching. pic.twitter.com/9wM2BOLmOD— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 16, 2024
Terrion Arnold, CB – foot (FP)
The FP confirms the positive early signs following the right foot injury last game which was reported as a contusion. He’ll be available Saturday which is very important to a secondary that is missing Carlton Davis.
Terrion Arnold right foot injury video
-Comes down hard with hyperextended toes and foot also twists
-Hope just mild hyperextended toes (turf toe) pic.twitter.com/szb3121vLR— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
Kevin Zeitler, RG – hamstring (NP)
Video suggested a concerning right hamstring strain and today’s NP corroborates the concern. Hamstrings benefit from a gradual ramp-up to avoid aggravation, so hopefully he can get up to an LP tomorrow and an FP the next day. If not, he may miss the game.
Expect Christian Mahogany, who has played well this year, to take his place if necessary.
Kevin Zeitler right hamstring injury video
-Heavy limp afterwards. Did not return.
-Return depends on severity. Could be multiple weeks. pic.twitter.com/cuJmhxAFqi— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
Pat O’Connor, DT – calf (NP)
Dan Campbell last week expressed pessimism regarding his injury and the NP today confirms the feeling. I would not expect him to be available vs the Commanders. This would be a big loss as he’s been playing around 50% of defensive snaps in the latter part of the season.
Pat O’Connor calf injury video
-Officially a calf. Can’t see much on vid though.
-Appeared to me reaching for right leg. pic.twitter.com/J7EAJEArYC— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 6, 2025
Ennis Rakestraw, CB – hamstring/illness (NP)
Rakestraw opened his practice window last week on January 9 after 7 weeks on IR. I’m suspecting the NP today to be related to his illness and not the hamstring. If the illness resolves quickly and he can get up to an FP later this week, he might be available for the game.
With Arnold healthy, Rakestraw’s main role will be on special teams.
Notables
Levi Onwuzurike, who had his right ankle wrapped last game and was helped off once, is absent from the report.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
(walkthrough only)
Daron Payne DT, finger (LP)
Payne hurt his thumb during the last game and posted the XR post-game which showed a likely dorsal dislocation of his thumb MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint. The LP today is a strong sign that he will play on Saturday. However, he’ll likely be wearing a splint which will affect his ability to grab with that hand.
Payne is an important player along the defensive line logging around 70-80% of snaps this year with 4 sacks and 42 total tackles.
Daron Payne thumb injury #WASvsDET
-Looks like dorsal dislocation of thumb MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint
-Collateral ligament injury possible
-Surgery might be indicated depending on asso damage
-If no surg, may need splint for ~ 3 weeks pic.twitter.com/YRyjPoWgoO— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 13, 2025
Bobby Wagner LB, ankle (NP)
Wagner has played 100% of snaps in each of the past 11 games and I’m suspecting that will continue on Saturday despite today’s NP.
Jordan Magee LB, hamstring (NP)
Magee has played minimal snaps on defense this year and is mostly a special teams contributor.
Zane Gonzalez K, hip (LP)
Gonzalez successfully banked in the game-winning field goal in the 1st-round of the playoffs. The Ford Field posts may not be so kind.
A DOINK TO THE DIVISIONAL ROUND!!!! @COMMANDERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/TRwyX11zcZ
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2025
Ben Sinnott TE, shoulder (LP)
Sinnott is a part-time player on offense who has 5 receptions on the year. He has been under 10 offensive snaps in the past four games.
