The first Sunday of the 2024 NFL regular season is here, and we’ve made it all the way to Sunday Night Football. In the first edition of the weekly prime-time games, we’ll watch the Detroit Lions host the Los Angeles Rams.
While most players will be in action, some are hurt and will miss the game. Here’s a look at the inactive list and likely starters for the postseason rematch.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Inactives
Rams Designated as Out
- OT Rob Havenstein
- LB Brennan Jackson
- DE Desjuan Johnson
- LB Eli Neal
- RB Cody Schrader
Lions Designated as Out
- LB James Houston
- OT Giovanni Manu
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu
- LB Trevor Nowaske
- DT DJ Reader
- OT Colby Sorsdal
- S Loren Strickland
Latest Injury Report News and Updates
The Rams are, overall, pretty healthy. Guard Jonah Jackson and WR Puka Nacua both appeared on the injury report with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively, but they didn’t miss any practice and are in line to get on the field without limitations.
OT Rob Havenstein and CB Cobie Durant, however, did not have as easy a week. Havenstein (ankle) and Durant (hamstring) both practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week, leaving their status for the game undetermined.
Keep Reading: Rams vs. Lions Sunday Night Football Schedule
The Lions ruled out safety Loren Strickland, who’s dealing with a thumb injury after he did not practice the entire week. Additionally, defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu and defensive lineman DJ Reader both practiced in a limited capacity all week with ankle and quad injuries, respectively. The Lions listed Reader as questionable and Melifonwu as doubtful.
One name who didn’t appear on the injury report but is missing the game because of an injury? CB Darious Williams for the Rams.
Having strained his hamstring early in training camp, Williams missed more than a month of practice. Despite seemingly making progress and doing well, he was placed on injured reserve earlier this week and will now miss at least four weeks.
Who Comprises the Projected Starting Lineup for Each Team?
Rams Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Rams depth chart.
- Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
- Running Back: Kyren Williams
- Wide Receiver: Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson
- Tight End: Hunter Long
- Left Offensive Tackle: Joe Noteboom
- Left Offensive Guard: Jonah Jackson
- Center: Steve Avila
- Right Offensive Guard: Kevin Dotson
- Right Offensive Tackle: Rob Havenstein
- Defensive End: Braden Fiske
- Defensive Tackle: Kobie Turner
- Nose Tackle: Bobby Brown III
- Left Outside Linebacker: Jared Verse
- Left Inside Linebacker: Christian Rozeboom
- Right Inside Linebacker: Michael Hoecht
- Right Outside Linebacker: Byron Young
- Left Cornerback: Cobie Durant
- Right Cornerback: Tre’Davious White
- Free Safety: Russ Yeast
- Strong Safety: Kamren Curl
- Kicker: Joshua Karty
- Punter: Ethan Evans
- Long Snapper: Alex Ward
- Kickoff Returner: Blake Corum
- Punt Returner: Kyren Williams
Lions Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Lions depth chart.
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- Quarterback: Jared Goff
- Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs
- Wide Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Jameson Williams
- Tight End: Sam LaPorta
- Left Offensive Tackle: Taylor Decker
- Left Offensive Guard: Graham Glasgow
- Center: Frank Ragnow
- Right Offensive Guard: Kevin Zeitler
- Right Offensive Tackle: Penei Sewell
- Left Defensive End: Marcus Davenport
- Left Defensive Tackle: DJ Reader
- Right Defensive Tackle: Alim McNeill
- Right Defensive End: Aidan Hutchinson
- Strongside Linebacker: Alex Anzalone
- Middle Linebacker: Jack Campbell
- Weakside Linebacker: Derrick Barnes
- Left Cornerback: Carlton Davis III
- Right Cornerback: Terrion Arnold
- Free Safety: Kerby Joseph
- Strong Safety: Brian Branch
- Punter: Jack Fox
- Kicker: Jake Bates
- Long Snapper: Hogan Hatten
- Kickoff Returner: Craig Reynolds
- Punt Returner: Kalif Raymond