Detroit Lions flop in Minnesota: Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel analysis
Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel talk Detroit Lions flop at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
The Detroit Lions ruled out five players Friday, Jan. 2, for Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.
Sewell did not practice this week after injuring his ankle in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions (8-8) were eliminated from playoff contention with that defeat, but Lions coach Dan Campbell said he still intends to play his available starters against the Bears.
“Does it affect you not having [him]? Yeah, it does,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “He’s a phenomenal player. He’s a phenomenal football player, yet we got guys who are going to step in and do a good job for us, man. They got a job to do, they’ll have a role and we expect them to hold up their end of the bargain.”
Along with Sewell, the Lions ruled out linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion/personal), offensive lineman Trystan Colon (broken wrist), safety Thomas Harper (concussion) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (oblique).
Five other players were listed as questionable: Left tackle Taylor Decker, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive linemen Christian Mahogany, Gio Manu and Kayode Awosika.
Decker said he plans to play in what could be his final NFL game; he plans to consider retirement after the year. And Campbell said St. Brown is trending towards playing while Manu is unlikely to be activated from injured reserve.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.