The Detroit Lions will be without two starters on their offensive line for Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow will miss his second straight game with a fractured throat cartilage and right tackle Tyrell Crosby is out for the third straight week with a sprained ankle.
TOM BRADY:Remembering his NFL debut vs. Lions: Why wasn’t he wearing Honolulu Blue & Silver?
The Bucs, who can clinch a playoff spot with a win, are tied for fourth in the NFL with 43 sacks.
Left tackle Taylor Decker, who missed practice time this week with a groin injury, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who cleared concussion protocol, are active and expected to start for the Lions. Joe Dahl should make his second straight start at center, with Jonah Jackson and Oday Aboushi at guard.
[ Lions GM candidate Louis Riddick: Stafford should be the QB in 2021 ]
The Lions, who will be without five coaches, including interim head coach Darrell Bevell, because of COVID-19 protocols, also are short two starters on defense: Linebacker Jamie Collins is inactive after missing practice all week with a neck injury, and safety Jayron Kearse is out after suffering a hip injury in practice Thursday.
OUR PICKS:Lions vs. Buccaneers: A ‘hat and T-shirt game’
The Lions have three more defensive starters on injured reserve: Trey Flowers, Danny Shelton and Desmond Trufant.
Wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hip), defensive tackle Frank Herron and guard Logan Stenberg also are inactive for the Lions (5-9).
Starting cornerback Carlton Davis (four interceptions) is out for the Bucs (9-5).
Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
