| Detroit Free Press
Debating the effect of Matthew Stafford’s absence, Lions-Vikings picks
Assessing the Matthew Stafford COVID-19 isolation situation ahead of Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings, and predicting who wins. Filmed Nov. 6, 2020.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Joe Dahl did not travel with the team to Minnesota after he was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Vikings with a back injury.
Listed as questionable on the Lions’ Friday injury report, Dahl missed two days of practice this week and was not expected to play.
SCOUTING REPORT: Lions vs. Vikings: Dave Birkett’s prediction
The Lions have started four different combinations on their offensive line this season, with Dahl making starts at both guard positions.
On Sunday, they’ll likely return to the lineup of Taylor Decker and Tyrell Crosby at tackle, Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai at guard, and Frank Ragnow at center.
Vaitai is questionable because of a foot injury he suffered in last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Both he and Decker missed practice Wednesday, and were limited participants on Thursday and Friday.
The Lions (3-4) still have a roster move to make in order to activate quarterback Matthew Stafford from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.