Injury updates for the Detroit Lions: Taylor Decker, James Houston, Cam Sutton, and CJ Gardner-Johnson
Final injury updates from the Lions are released prior to the Cowboys game.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 16: On December 16, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan, Cameron Sutton #1 of the Detroit Lions reacts following a stop during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field. Image courtesy of Getty Images/Rey Del Rio.(Getty Images, 2023; Rey Del Rio)

DETROIT: Before the Cowboys game, the Detroit Lions released injury updates on four important players, including two who had been on injured reserve for months.

Gardner-Johnson, CJ

The team’s marquee off-season addition, star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, is the player everyone wants to see return to the field. He hasn’t played since suffering a pectoral muscle injury in the season’s second game.

Dan Campbell, the head coach, was questioned by Gardner-Johnson on Thursday.

Campbell remarked, “He’s even better than last week.” “He appears to be in good shape, and this is simply another opportunity to motivate him.” I’ll discuss it with Brad Holmes when we finish up today. He’ll be back training outside.

Gardner-Johnson was granted permission to practice for 21 days prior to the Vikings game last week, but he will not be participating in this weekend’s Lions game once more. Shortly following Campbell’s press conference, Gardner-Johnson was labeled by the Lions as “out” for Saturday.

Until Gardner-Johnson recovers, the Lions will continue to use Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph in the secondary.

“We have choices when he returns,” Campbell remarked. “We have some excellent choices. We have playmakers and football guys, so it’s a nice problem to have.

Decker Taylor

Taylor Decker, the starting left tackle, has a far brighter future.

Decker’s groin problem kept him out of practice on Wednesday, but according to Campbell, the team was merely being cautious, and he should be fine for Saturday.

He’s fine, Campbell remarked. “He’ll be alright. He’s going to be outside. We were merely playing shrewd with him.

James Houston

James Houston, like Gardner-Johnson, has been placed on injured reserve following the Seahawks game. The Lions said on Thursday that they had granted him access to practice for 21 days.

With eight sacks in the team’s final seven games of the previous season, Houston was a revelation in the second half. He will be a much-needed complement to the pass rush if he can return to playing form by the conclusion of the year.

According to DetroitLions.com, Houston remarked, “I need to do what I have to do on my part so I can be a part of something spectacular.” “I’m ecstatic to be back on the field and am ready.”

Houston is doubtful to play for the Lions in the postseason, but he might be back in time for Saturday’s game in Dallas.

Cam Sutton, whom the Lions are labeling “questionable” due to a toe injury, was an unexpected addition to the week’s final injury report on Thursday.

The extent of his injury is unknown, but the Lions cannot afford to start without their best cornerback, particularly with Emmanuel Moseley and Gardner-Johnson down and Jerry Jacobs’ role uncertain in the secondary.

Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott led one of the best passing assaults in the NFL for Dallas. It will be difficult to upset the Cowboys on the road if Sutton isn’t playing at his best.