The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers square off in an NFC North matchup that has suddenly become quite important. The Lions (8-2) are attempting to hold on to their division lead over the Vikings (6-5). Despite the fact that their lead appears to be fairly secure following Minnesota’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Packers (4-6), on the other hand, are only one spot out of the final Wild Card spot. Every victory counts for the Packers in the future. The Lions will be without a former Super Bowl champion for this crucial game.
The Detroit Lions will be without Super Bowl champion Bruce Irvin for their Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers.
Irvin’s absence was reported by Jeff Risdon of USA Today Sports:
Bruce Irvin, a recent practice squad addition, will not be in the Detroit Lions lineup on Thursday. Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that Irvin would not be promoted for the Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving visit.
Irvin was added to the practice squad last week after the Lions’ pass rush struggled. Detroit’s pressure was stronger against the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields, but it still lacked oomph and finishing ability. But Irvin has yet to demonstrate to Campbell or the Lions coaches that he can contribute.
When asked if Irvin would play against Green Bay in Week 12, Campbell said,
“That’s possible. I still don’t see it happening, at least not right now. We want to be intelligent. We want to be strategic in our approach. And he’s – look, he’s working, he’s learning it, he’s in good shape, and I just want to be smart about how we move forward here.”
Irvin, 36, had been unsigned all season until the Lions signed him to their practice squad. Detroit is his sixth team in as many years, including two seasons in Seattle that were not consecutive. The Lions are also healthy at the DE/OLB positions.
With 23 sacks, the Lions are ranked 22nd in the NFL. Despite their struggles to bring the quarterback down, the team is consistently applying pressure to the pocket. Detroit ranks seventh with a pressure rate of 24.3%.
In his 13th season as a former first-round pick, Irvin has 55.5 sacks. In 11 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season, he recorded 12 total pressures and 3.5 sacks. The Packers’ lack of having to face Irvin should keep Jordan Love upright a little more frequently on Thanksgiving.
