Late-season runs raise stakes for Lions-Packers matchup
The Green Bay Packers know they reach the postseason if they win Sunday nightJANUARY 5 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT LIONS
9-8 · 2ND IN NFC NORTH
Chase Lucas - Back at practice The Lions designated Lucas (hamstring) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
Impact Lucas, who's missed each of Detroit's last four contests while on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue, had his 21-day elevation window opened following his return to Wednesday's practice. Unless both the Lions and Seahawks win their respective matchups this weekend, the Week 18 contest versus Green Bay would be the rookie's last chance to suit up this year.
JANUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE
Packers' late-season surge bringing back memories of 2016
Aaron Rodgers didn’t make any bold proclamations about running the table this time aroundJANUARY 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Justin Jackson - Full participant Wednesday Jackson (hip) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.
Impact Jackson landed on the injury report last Friday due to a hip injury and was ultimately sidelined for the Lions' Week 17 win over the Bears. However, the backup running back is full go to start Week 18 prep, suggesting that he's on track to suit up in Sunday's matchup with the Packers, a game that could have playoff implications for both teams if the Seahawks lose to the Rams earlier in the day. If available, Jackson should see his usual rotational role behind Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift.
JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE
Column: The games will go on after Hamlin - they always do
It was a horrific sceneJANUARY 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Alex Anzalone - Leading tackler in easy win Anzalone recorded seven tackles (four solo) in Sunday's 41-10 victory versus the Bears.
Impact Anzalone finished as the Lions' leading tackler despite playing a season-low 73 percent of defensive snaps Week 17. However, the 28-year-old linebacker still played the third-most snaps of any Detroit defender in this lopsided win. Anzalone leads the team in tackles with a career-high 117 while playing every game this season, and he'll likely need to continue racking up tackles in order to help slow down Green Bay's rushing offense Week 18.
JANUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE
3 NFL teams look for rare trip from 2-6 start to playoffs
Falling into a 2-6 hole near the midpoint of a season is usually a recipe to look to the future for NFL teams, with only two teams ever climbing out of that hole to reach the posts...JANUARY 3 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bills' Hamlin collapses; medical events that stopped play
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was critically injured Monday night in the first quarter of a game against the Cincinnati BengalsJANUARY 3 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Alexander playing major role in Packers' late-season surge
The Green Bay Packers enter their regular-season finale controlling their playoff fate in part because their lone Pro Bowl selection has cemented his status as one of the game’s to...JANUARY 2 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lions looking forward to potentially playing for playoffs
The Detroit Lions will play at Green Bay Packers on Sunday night in a matchup of 8-8 teams with much at stake for at least one of the NFC North teamsJANUARY 2 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
