Latest news and updates about the Lions
Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
After a 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirms rookie kicker Trey Smack will stay as Green Bay’s starter despite missing two field goals—including a blocked 35‑yard attempt that could have won the game. The 28‑year‑old has now missed seven kicks this season, becoming the first NFL kicker since 2019 to miss two sub‑35‑yard attempts in a three‑point defeat. LaFleur insists Smack has shown he can bounce back, opting to give the young specialist more time rather than replace him.
The Green Bay Packers lose both starting interior linemen in Week 7 against the Lions. Center Sean Rhyan (75) suffers a high‑ankle sprain, likely sidelining him for 4‑6 weeks and possibly landing him on injured reserve, while backup Jacob Monk tears a quadriceps. Neither will suit up for Thursday’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Veteran John Williams, who cross‑trained at all five line spots, is set to start at center, with rookie Jager Burton as his backup. The injuries could keep Rhyan out until at least Week 13.
The Vikings’ decision to trade rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a fifth‑round pick is drawing sharp criticism as McCarthy leads the Giants to a 27‑point overtime win over the Houston Texans. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, showcasing poise against a strong Texans defense. Analysts like Ari Meirov, Mina Kimes, and Bill Simmons argue Minnesota missed a rare chance to develop a high‑potential QB, especially as their current backup Max Brosmer pales in comparison. With the Vikings set to face the Detroit Lions next, the trade’s fallout could sting the franchise.
The Raiders should strongly consider trading Maxx Crosby (again), now that the team has fallen back to earth.
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered an ankle injury during Sunday's 20-17 win over the Packers and did not return.
Packers fans want their kicker gone after two short misses at Ford Field. #OnePride
Xavier McKinney unleashed on officials after controversial calls.
Jake Bates nails a 22‑yard field goal as time expires to give the Detroit Lions a 20‑17 win over the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The game featured four lead changes, with Jared Goff throwing for 303 yards and two TDs to Jameson Williams, while Jordan Love matched him with 274 yards and two TDs for Green Bay. Both teams traded scores in the third quarter before a 43‑yard field goal by Trey Smack tied it 17‑17. Bates’ final kick clinches Detroit’s 4‑2 record, keeping them two games behind the unbeaten Vikings in the NFC North, while the Packers fall to 4‑3.
The Packers lineman flagged on Detroit's go-ahead drive says he would make the same hit again. #OnePride
Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin, a first‑year defensive captain, suffers a hairline fracture in his leg after the Lions loss. Coach Matt LaFleur says Franklin likely won’t hit injured reserve, so he may return before missing four games. The injury comes as Green Bay scrambles to prep for Thursday night’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers, while also dealing with an offensive line injury to Sean Rhyan. Franklin, third on the team with 41 tackles, remains a key leader for the defense, making his status a pivotal storyline heading into the game.
The Falcons pull off a statement 24-15 win over the previously unbeaten 49ers in Week 7. After trailing 14-3, Michael Penix Jr. sparks a comeback with three touchdown passes—two to Nick Muse and Kyle Pitts—while the defense forces crucial turnovers, including a game‑changing interception by rookie Kendal Daniels. A late field goal by Nick Folk seals the victory, giving Atlanta a 3-2 record since Penix returned and reviving hopes of ending the playoff drought that began in 2017. The win comes amid a tough schedule that still includes the Packers, Ravens, Bucs, Chiefs, Bengals, Vikings and Lions.
The Packers fall 20-17 to the Lions on Oct. 25, 2026, amid a flood of controversial calls. After losing their starting center early, Green Bay’s offense sputters—Josh Jacobs drops a potential go‑ahead TD and rookie kicker Trey Smack misses two field goals. Defensive ends Devonte Wyatt and safety Xavier McKinney openly blame the officials, citing unsportsmanlike‑conduct and rough‑the‑passer flags they say were unwarranted. Both players argue the crew’s inconsistent enforcement is hurting the team’s morale and performance, even as they acknowledge the missed execution on offense and special teams contributed to the loss.
The Packers fell 20-17 to the Lions on Oct. 25, 2026, amid criticism of several officiating calls. Referee Alex Moore addressed complaints about a third‑quarter unnecessary‑roughness flag on Devonte Wyatt, saying the whistle had already blown, and defended a late‑game intentional‑grounding penalty on Jordan Love after his pass fell short of the line of scrimmage. Fans also compared the ruling to a Week 1 overturned strip‑sack touchdown involving Jared Goff. Despite the loss, Green Bay prepares to host the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.
The Packers fall 20-17 to the Lions, slipping to 4-3 amid a chaotic Sunday at Ford Field. Quarterback Jordan Love throws for 274 yards, two touchdowns and one interception despite losing two offensive linemen and battling multiple drops, including a costly one by Bo Melton. Safety Javon Bullard shines with solid coverage and a key tackle, while rookie safety Evan Williams records nine tackles but drops two near‑interceptions. Wideout Matthew Golden, a frequent Love target, drops half his 12 catches for just 39 yards. Rookie kicker Trey Smack misses a 26‑yard and a 35‑yard field goal, leaving six points off the board. The loss sets up a short‑week showdown with the 3‑3 Panthers.
Dan Campbell awarded just one game ball following the Detroit Lions' 20-17 victory over the Packers, recognizing Khalil Dorsey's contributions.
Campbell's bold decision did not pay off. But the Lions were able to survive it.
Packers center Sean Rhyan appears to have suffered a high‑ankle sprain during Green Bay's Week 7 loss to the Lions, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. X‑rays came back clear and an MRI is scheduled, with recovery expected to take four to six weeks. The injury adds to a growing O‑line crisis that already sidelines Zach Bako‑Bewele, Kevin Zeitler, Donovan Jennings, Jager Burton, Aaron Banks and Travis Glover. Rhyan, the 26‑year‑old third‑round pick who started all seven games this season, recently signed a three‑year, $33 million extension after his rookie deal.
Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin missed the Lions game after being accidentally kicked in practice, sustaining a hairline leg fracture. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Green Bay didn’t place him on IR and expects his return in fewer than four games, keeping him a key defensive piece—second on the team in tackles this season. The article also notes Micah Parsons’ progress toward an ACL comeback, which could further boost a defense that recently limited the Cowboys to 13 points. Franklin remains optimistic, calling the unit a "defense on the rise."
Dan Campbell provides an encouraging Jahmyr Gibbs injury update after the Lions running back twisted his ankle late in Detroit's 20-17 win over Green Bay.
Detroit and Washington have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, while Minnesota has allowed three touchdown passes in six games ahead of its trip to Detroit.
The Packers fall 20-17 to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, dropping to 4-3 and fourth in the NFC North. Coach Matt LaFleur blames poor officiating—two questionable roughing‑the‑passer calls and a personal foul—while also pointing to the team's own mistakes: a 5‑for‑15 third‑down conversion, a 1‑for‑4 red‑zone showing, a blocked field goal after Josh Jacobs’s dropped pass, and rookie kicker Trey Smack’s missed tries. Players like Xavier McKinney voice frustration, and media outlets dissect both the refs and the Packers’ execution. The loss ends a three‑game streak and raises fresh questions about the team’s direction.
Matthew Stafford eclipses Roman Gabriel to become the Los Angeles Rams’ all‑time leader in passing touchdowns, tallying 155 TD passes after a three‑TD performance in a 35‑21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 25, 2026. The milestone also makes Stafford the first quarterback to hold career touchdown‑pass records for two franchises, adding to his Detroit Lions record of 282 TDs. The Rams, now 3‑4, look to build momentum heading into Week 8 against the winless Chargers.
The Detroit Lions outplayed the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 25, 2026, posting a 53.7% offensive success rate—fifth best in Week 7—while Green Bay managed only 34.3%, the league’s second‑worst. Lions averaged 6.3 yards per play versus the Packers’ 5.0 and forced two turnovers, both unforced errors by Detroit. Green Bay’s few key moments, like a missed snap by Jared Goff and a lucky ball‑fumble recovery by Cade Mays, kept the game close, and controversial calls (roughing the passer, unnecessary roughness) added drama. Ultimately, the Lions’ superior play earned them the win.
The Packers fell 20-17 to the Lions in a divisional clash marred by controversial calls. Referee Alex Moore, in a post‑game pool report shared with ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, defended an unnecessary‑roughness penalty on Devonte Wyatt and a late intentional‑grounding flag on Jordan Love, saying the play was over and Love’s throw didn’t cross the line of scrimmage. Fans erupted, questioning the whistle’s existence and NFL officiating accountability, especially after a similar disputed call on Lions QB Jared Goff earlier in the season. With the loss looming, Green Bay now prepares for a Thursday Night Football home game against the Panthers.