NFL inactives tonight: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
The latest injury news, inactive lists, and projected starting lineups for the final game of the season between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.
By Billy Riccette, Pro Football Network – January 5, 2025
Game 272. It’s the final game of the 2024 NFL regular season and the stakes haven’t been this high in over 30 years.
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions meet on Sunday Night Football in essentially a winner-take-all game. The winner takes the NFC North, the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, home-field advantage and the first-round bye. The loser falls to the No. 5 seed and hits the road for the Wild Card Round.
This is the first time since the 1993 season that a game in the final week of the season is deciding the No. 1 seed in a conference. In that instance, it was between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.
Let’s set the table for this game with a look at the latest injury news and projected starting lineups.
Minnesota Vikings inactives
DE Patrick Jones II
Detroit Lions inactives
RB David Montgomery
CB Emmanuel Moseley
Latest injury report news and updates
The only player ruled out for the Vikings in Week 18 is outside linebacker Patrick Jones II. He suffered a knee injury last week against the Packers and did not practice all week. Rookie Dallas Turner will see an increased workload with Jones out.
Two other Vikings are listed as questionable: LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (illness) and CB Fabian Moreau (hip). Grugier-Hill looks to be a game-time decision but is getting better from his illness and has a chance to play. Moreau was limited in practice all week. He has missed the last two games with his hip injury.
The Lions have two players ruled out for Sunday: RB David Montgomery (knee) and CB Emmanuel Moseley (illness). The Lions placed Moseley on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list Saturday, meaning he would be out for four games. That means he would only be able to return this season if the Lions lose Sunday but then make the Super Bowl, as the NFC Championship Game would be his fourth game missed. Otherwise, his season is over.
The Lions did get good news Saturday, as they activated LB Alex Anzalone from injured reserve. Anzalone had been out since breaking his forearm in Week 11 against the Jaguars. Detroit also activated WR Kalif Raymond (foot) from injured reserve.
Running back Craig Reynolds (back) is also listed as questionable.
Minnesota Vikings projected starting lineup
Here is the projected starting lineup for the Vikings based on their current depth chart.
Quarterback: Sam Darnold
Running back: Aaron Jones
Wide receiver: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
Tight end: T.J. Hockenson
Left tackle: Cam Robinson
Left guard: Blake Brandel
Center: Garrett Bradbury
Right guard: Dalton Risner
Right tackle: Brian O’Neill
Defensive end: Jonathan Bullard
Nose tackle: Harrison Phillips
Defensive tackle: Jerry Tillery
Inside linebackers: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr.
Outside linebackers: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel
Cornerbacks: Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore
Safeties: Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum
Kicker: Will Reichard
Punter: Ryan Wright
Long snapper: Andrew DePaola
Kick returner: Ty Chandler
Punt returner: Brandon Powell
Detroit Lions’ projected starting lineup
Here is the projected starting lineup for the Lions based on their current depth chart.
Quarterback: Jared Goff
Running back: Jahmyr Gibbs
Wide receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick
Tight end: Sam LaPorta
Left tackle: Taylor Decker
Left guard: Graham Glasgow
Center: Frank Ragnow
Right guard: Kevin Zeitler
Right tackle: Penei Sewell
Defensive ends: Josh Paschal, Za’Darius Smith
Nose tackle: DJ Reader
Defensive tackle: Levi Onwuzurike
Middle linebacker: Jack Campbell
Weakside linebacker: Alex Anzalone
Cornerbacks: Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson
Safeties: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph
Kicker: Jake Bates
Punter: Jack Fox
Long snapper: Hogan Hatten
Kick returner: Sione Vaki
Punt returner: Kalif Raymond