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Lions RB, LB, OL Ruled Out against Packers

Three players are set to miss Detroit Lions' Week 1 contest.
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) practices during training camp at team's Allen Park Performance Center
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) practices during training camp at team's Allen Park Performance Center | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The Detroit Lions ruled out three players ahead of their first road contest against the Green Bay Packers.

Running back Sione Vaki and linebacker Trevor Nowaske both missed a couple of practices this week and will not be available, when the team travels to Green Bay to play the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Vaki has been dealing with a hamstring injury, while Nowaske is battling an elbow injury. Offensive lineman Jamarco Jones was also ruled out.

Also, Taylor Decker did not practice Friday, as the veteran left tackle was given a rest day.

It is possible the team could call up running back Jacob Saylors this week from the practice squad, especially coming off of a solid training camp.

Veteran Zach Cunningham could also be in line for an expanded role this week.

The coaching staff has raved about the level of experience and his craftiness. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard expressed that he was really uncertain why he wasn't utilized more during his recent stints with the Broncos and the Eagles.

"He adds a ton of experience, depth, athleticism, explosiveness, versatility. He can play all the different positions," said head coach Dan Campbell, prior to practice on Friday afternoon. "And then man, there’s some stuff on special teams he can really help us with. So, he’s been great, man, and he fits right in. He’s a smart guy, pretty crafty. And so, he adds somebody that we can use. And at the very lowest level, he adds depth right now. Quality, quality depth. I mean, this guy, he’s been good. That was a good pickup, man. I’m glad we got him. He’s done a great job.”

Campbell was also asked if he believed the team was ready to put the Washington Commanders playoff loss behind them after not playing a regular season game in so long.

"I don’t know how much it’s really like, ‘Okay, you know, that was the last thing.’ I think, I know for me, I kind of get the sense it’s about, ‘Man, here we go.’ It’s the next season, it’s 2025, it’s the first game of the year out on the road, division opponent," Campbell expressed. "Most of our guys did not play in the preseason, so this is awesome. You’re ready to go. You’re ready to compete and cut it lose. Games that count, real football, the whole thing. And I think that’s really more of the excitement, as opposed to what had happened previously.”

Lions' Week 1 injury report

Sione Vaki -- Hamstring (Out)
Trevor Nowaske -- Elbow (Out)
Jamarco Jones -- Ankle (Out)

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!