Injury Issues to Key Starters Could Doom Lions in Heavyweight Clash vs. Bills

The Detroit Lions are entering a marquee matchup in Week 2 of the NFL season, as head coach Dan Campbell’s squad will travel to the new Highmark Stadium to square off against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.

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Detroit picked up a 31-30 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, but the performance left much to be desired. The Lions blew a 21-point second-half lead and needed an extra period to seal the deal.

Thursday’s contest against the Bills will be a major test for Campbell’s group, and it looks like Detroit will be shorthanded as well.

Lions Wednesday Injury Report is Brutal

Detroit released its final injury report for Week 2 on Wednesday, and it brought mostly bad news. Right tackle Blake Miller and left guard Christian Mahogany have been listed as out for Thursday, while cornerback D.J. Reed is questionable.

Miller is dealing with a knee issue, while Mahogany has a hip injury and Reed has a foot injury. Larry Borom is expected to get the start at right tackle in place of Miller, and Ben Bartch will take over left guard with Mahogany out of the lineup, as he did in Week 1.

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The only positive news from the report is center Juice Scruggs logging a full practice after two limited days and cornerback Christian Izien returning from a groin injury.

If Reed is out, the Lions will rely on Izien and rookie Keith Abney II to step up and keep the standard. With the secondary facing massive questions after a rough showing in Week 1, losing Reed would be incredibly detrimental, especially with Josh Allen and the Bills’ passing attack being so dynamic.

Beating the Bills was already a tall task for the Lions, but with two starters out and another one questionable, Detroit will need to overcome adversity to take down one of the top Super Bowl contenders in the AFC.

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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 4:20 PM.