Name: Land Clark Age: 64 Promoted To Referee: 2020 Graphic Courtesy of Football Zebras Last Game: 10/25/26 NYG@HOU The New York Giants committed 4 penalties for 50 yards. They were flagged a total of 5 times. The Houston Texans committed 10 penalties for 80 yards. They were flagged a total of 14 times. Together there were 14 penalties for 130 yards. There were 19 total flags in this game. Last Lions Game: 09/14/25 – CHI21@ DET 52 The Chicago Bears committed 8 penalties for 50 yards. They were flagged a total of 10 times. The Detroit Lions committed 3 penalties for 28 yards. They were flagged a total of 7 times. Together there were 11 penalties for 78 yards. There were 17 total flags in this game. Week 9 Penalty Tale of the Tape Vikings and Lions Notable The Lions finally get a bit of relief, after three straight games of a Top 3 penalty throwing crews, they finally pick up Land Clark, whose crew is in the bottom of the group when it comes total penalties. Outside of dismissed penalties where they are tied for most in the league, they do tend to flag the home team once more per game than the away team, which directly benefits the Lions. The last game they officiated for the Lion was the shellacking Dan Camopbell's team laid down on Benedict Johnson last year when they put up a 50 burger in Week 2. Looking at the Dolphins and Lions, they both hover around the Top 10 in penalties, but when they do get flagged, it aligns with this crews' tendencies. Lots of eyeballs on the line of scrimmage, with False Starts, Offensive Holding and Illegal Formation tops for both teams and Clark's crew, with DPI also something the Lions DBs will need to be wary of.

Welcome to Mickey's Musings, my weekly notebook where we skip the linear narrative and dive straight into three completely unrelated, but entirely fascinating storylines that are bouncing around in my head. First off – let’s talk about that Vikings team. I’m sure you watched them against the Lions. The defense – just wow! B-Flo sending all those blitzes…7 guys on the line and some of them rush the QB, but you don’t know which 4, or 5 or 6, it is gonna be?!? They’re ridiculously good. Their special teams struggled on Sunday, but they’re really good. On offense – JJ and Addison. TJ Hockenson. That’s some good targets to throw to. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason lead a solid running back room…The line has Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw as the bookends with Donovan Jackson and Jake Brandel inside. That seems like it should be a solid O-line. But I just don’t see the team going far. Why could that be? Hmmm…Well, let’s get to today’s three topics…… Topic # 1: St Florian Growing up in Houghton Lake in the 1970’s and 80’s meant we often had to travel for a number of things. During my senior year in high school I had a dermatologist appointment in Midland and it happened to be the same day as we had a basketball game at Standish-Sterling High School. Since it was a Tuesday night, and it would be midnight by the time we’d get home, my step-mom dropped me off in Standish at the high school on the way home. That way my younger siblings wouldn’t need to get home so late on a school night. I was there probably an hour before the team bus arrived, so I just hung out and chatted up a few females that I ran into while I waited. (Side note. I have no “game” – so “chatted up” basically meant I said “Hi” to them and said I was on the Houghton Lake team…I mean, after all, I was on the way home from a dermatologist appointment!). On the court I had a decent game that night, scoring 17 points in a 5 point loss. The most memorable thing to me from that game was two huge players on the home team Panthers. Both were about 6’4” or 6'5" and neither was skinny. As high schoolers, they each had full beards and they had long Polish names. I later learned the Standish area has always had a large Polish population and St Florian’s cemetery has a number of graves, many from the 1800’s. St Florian also happens to be the Patron Saint of Poland! As I read more, I also learned Standish Sterling Central is one of the largest school districts in the lower peninsula in terms of area. It covers nearly 262 square miles, including the smallest city in Michigan, population 274, Omer. Speaking of small….How about that Kyler Murray? St Florian Patron Saint of Poland and Firefighters Topic # 2: Cal Hubbard In the 1920’s Robert Calvin Hubbard was a strapping 6’2” and 250-pound linebacker. In 1927 he led the New York Football Giants team that allowed 20 points. That was not an average, that was for the entire season. A few years later Cal moved on to the Curly Lambeau led Packers and was first team all pro for the very first All-Pro teams in the NFL. He retired in 1936 and was eventually part of the initial NFL Hall of Fame class in 1963. While still playing in the NFL his offseason job was umpiring baseball. After leaving the NFL in 1936 he made that his full time gig. In a few years he was called up to the major leagues, where he eventually umpired four world series matchups and three all star games prior to his retirement in 1951 due to an eye injury. That was his retirement as an “active umpire” as three years later he became the supervisor of umpires for MLB, a position he held until 1969. In 1976 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. To this day, he is the only person that is in both Canton and Cooperstown. Despite being the only athlete drafted in the first round in both baseball (9th overall by the then Oakland A’s), and football (first overall by the Cardinals), Kyler Murray doesn’t seem to be on the fast track to following Cal into both HOF’s. Well, actually, he probably isn’t making either one. Cal Hubbard Topic # 3: Call of Duty The OG version of Call of Duty came out in 2003. The franchise has offered annual reboots every year. Typically, the launch of those new versions takes place in the fall – just in time for the holiday season. When Kyler Murray signed his $230 million dollar deal in 2022 the Cardinals included a “study clause” requiring him to complete 4 hours of independent study each week during the season. The wording in his contract: “Player shall complete at least four (4) hours of Independent Study (as defined below) each week.” The clause continued with specific conditions that invalidate the study credit: "...Player is engaged in any other activity that may distract his attention (for example, watching television, playing video games or browsing the internet) while such material is being displayed or played." Over his career Kyler Murray has a record of 7-15 in games that happen near the annual release of the game. In games where COD isn’t an issue, his record is 36-33-1. His passer rating for his career is 92.0. His passer rating during those 22 games that are nearest the release dates of his favorite game? 84.1. On October 23 of this year Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was released. Hmmmm….. We all saw Murray on Sunday and let’s be real – he was NOT good. Taking out that one 51-yard play to Addison his numbers would be 16-28 for 159 and a passer rating of 80.1. Even worse than his normal COD weekend numbers. The Lion's D has definitely improved. But let’s just say there may have been other factors that helped the Lions this past weekend. Despite all those team accolades in the first few paragraphs, I think we know where the Vikings fall short. If they get a quarterback that is even “competent” they could be a force. But that doesn’t appear to be the case for 2026. CoD Parrtner Kyler Murray On a totally unrelated note – prayers up for Jack Campbell. Go Lions!

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes from the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Detroit Lions Announce Thanksgiving Day Anthem and Halftime show Acts Lions Players, Coaches and Team The Lions announced Wu-Tang Clan as the 2026 Thanksgiving Day halftime act and Antonio Cipriano as the Anthem singer Jared Goff and his Wife always do what Mama says for Halloween DJ Wonnum was named NFC Special teams' player of the week for his tipped FG Former Lions position coach and one of the Run and Shoot architects June Jones passed away Several Lions accolades after the 19-15 win over the Vikings Jake Bates Bates is now fifth highest scoring player in Lions history passing Wayne Walker (331) Alim McNeil First IDL players since Suh back in 2010 (6.5) to reach 4.5 sacks in first seven games of the season Jahmyr Gibbs Joined Barry Sanders as the only players in Detroit Lions history to have 10+ TDs in four straight seasons Passed Dutch Clark (9) with the second most 25+ yard rushing TDs (10) in Lions history Set a career high for missed tackles in a single game at 10, and is on pace (61 currently) to shatter his career best of 65 Gibbs and Sanders are only Lions to have 75+ scrimmage yards in each of first 7 game sof season and Gibbs passed Billy Simms (991 in 1980) for most scrimmage yards through first seven games of a season Amon-Ra St Brown Became fastest player to reach 600 career catches in NFL History in only 90 games Dan Campbell Dan Campbell moved into a tie for 2nd place in all-time wins as Detroit lions coach with Potsy Clark/George Wilson (53) DJ Reed His INT gives him 9 career picks and 3 as a Lion Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation The Packers, their fans and media members pointing out their penalty problem this year is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen. The Bears gave up a LOT for a 30-year old DT that is still playing at a high level The Ninth-Circuit court of appeals has reinstated the Jury's antitrust liability against the NFL for Sunday Ticket from 2011-2022. Things I think are Noteworthy RIP Captain Picard Flavortown came to Buffalo to tailgate with first responders We have a new world record pumpkin... R.I.P. Patrick Stewart

A common phrase that has come up in recent years across many industries and personal lives is "stacking days." In this case, we will apply it to the Lions as "Stacking Weeks", and by that, we mean stringing together more than one week of solid defense play. It stared in Week 5 with a decent showing against the Cardinals, and it continued in Week 7 with an even better showing against the Packers. In week 8, the Lions have the chance to continue that improved defensive play against one of the worst offenses in the NFL in the Vikings. The Lions find themselves once again in a familiar setting as the Jets game, with a Top 5 Defense against the Lions Top 2 offense. The Vikings are really good on paper (like the Jets), but they are even better in person, with Brian Flores constantly causing chaos and leading to all kinds of pressures, hurries and sacks from their Blitz-heavy scheme. Of note, the Lions have a couple of advantages here in that Jared Goff is the best QB in the NFL against the blitz this season and the Vikings, despite all that pressure, have the longest avg time to throw in the NFL at 3.00 seconds (2nd worst) and time-to-pressure at 3.02 slowest (4th worst). Goff, BTW, is averaging 2.84 Avg Time to Throw, so it's a good bet that ball will be gone before the pressure gets to him. Both teams are incredibly healthy for this point in the season, with only backup TE for Vikings and potentially CB Roger McCreary for Lions being unavailable as both are questionable. Unfortunately, the officials will be the third-straight game for the Lions drawing a top 3 flag-happy Craig Wroilstad crew. Of note, they may throw a lot, but it's equal against both home and away, so expect both teams to pick up some yellow laundry. Vikings and Lions Tale of the Tape As for our season-long pick-em competition, it's been a back-and-forth affair with Chris the leader at 5-1 this week via tiebreaker, being off by only 5 points from the Lions aggregate scores. Sharing the same record are Mickey (6 pts), Dan (11 pts) and Brent (19 Pts) with Mike (4-2) still looking for a way to make up that missed game even though he is only 1 pt off the total Lions scores. The Grey Manes Lions Prediction - Week 8 This week, we finally see a departure from the leaders, as Mickey is going with the Vikings while the rest of the staff is sticking with the blue Kool-Aid and the Lions. The one thing most of us agree on, this will not be a high scoring game, with only Brent picking the winner to put up more than 30 (Lions with 31), while most of us were in the mid-20s and Mike thinks that the Lions will win with only 14 pts. Should be a hard-fought game either way, with the Lions #2 offense against the Vikings #1 Defense. Mickey Look, it kills me to write this. As a diehard Detroit Lions fan, my heart bleeds Honolulu blue, but I don't like the matchup this week. I figured the Lions would be 4-2 in the division this year and I think this could be one of the two losses. The Vikings defense is a nightmare right now, boasting a crew that allows a league-best 12.3 points per game. We scored just 20 last week against the Pack, but to compare the Viking D to theirs is like comparing a 5 star restaurant to an unsupervised toddler with a jar of mayonnaise. A lot of people don't know this name, as he hasn't done a ton in the pros until this year, but the guy that scares me is former first rounder Dallas Turner. He's been a one man wrecking crew so far this year - 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 18 QB hits. It is easy to say "Look who they've done it against", but there's another saying - "you can only play whoever is on your schedule." Forgive me, fellow Lions fans, but while we’re focusing on how to beat that defense, Minnesota has a hidden weapon in special teams. Myles Price is a field-position killer, averaging over 30 yards per kickoff return with an 86-yard punt return touchdown already under his belt. Pair that with probably the best kicker not named Cam or Brandon - Will Reichard — who has made 37 of his last 38 field goals—and any mistake we make turns into points. Last year they swept us, with Detroit turning the ball over 5x in Minnesota. We won't face that raucous Christmas Day crowd, but Brian Flores’ defense is tailor-made to force turnovers in bunches. We've avoided the turnover bug thus far, but at some point you know we're going to make some errors. I want nothing more than to be proven wrong, but I’m bracing myself for an ugly Viking victory. Please, Dan Campbell, make me eat these words. Minnesota 23, Detroit 20 Dan This game is eerily similar to the early season matchup with the NY Jets, where the Jets had a great defense (on paper) and a terrible offense. That one ended up with a Lions 31-24 win, and that was when the defense was at a low point in performance. The Vikings are not a great defense on paper, they are a great defense period, and are carrying this team. The Offense is bad despite having some really good weapons, but the defense is what allows teh team to sink or swim. It relies on a blitzing strategy that is so far outside the norms that teams simply dont know how to stop it. Last season, the Lions lost to two journeyman QBs because of that Defense, but they also were starting guys on the OL like an injured Decker (in Game 1) and in Game 2 the OL had Skipper, Equakan and injured Mahaoany along with TEs of Firkser and Ricci, which why they only put up 10 points at MIN. This year brings a rebuilt Lions OL, a team full of dangerous weapons on offense and a QB that is the best in the NFL under the Blitz and making plays. Throw in a defense that is playing significantly better in the last few weeks, and I think the Lions will end up winning this game comfortably. Of note, OC Drew Petzing faced Flores in 2024 with the Cardinals, and put up 22 points but more importantly, 400+ yards. Officiating may come into play, and its likely Goff's non-turnover streak also ends, but I think the Lions play one of their best games on both sides of the ball and come away with a solid win. Lions 24, Vikings 10 Brent The Lions come into this game against the sole remaining undefeated team in the division. The Vikings are 6-0 and blitzing at an astronomical rate. The Lions look to spread the field, take advantage of 1:1s and break out against the Vikings. The Lions will look to isolate Jamo, Amon-Ra, LaPorta, and Teslaa creating a myriad of threats. The Lions defense improved the last couple of weeks and will look to hold the #32 offense in check and tighten up the division. Lions 31, Vikings 17 Mike The Vikings make their annual trip to Ford Field this weekend. They are 6-0 and are the only undrafted team in the NFL right now. They are really a tale of 2 teams, the Defense is #2 behind the Seahawks and their offense ranks 29th in the NFL right now. Quite the spread. There is no question Brian Flores is a Great D-Coordinator. They love to blitz and blitz in many different formations. This will be a challenge for the Lions O-Line. The Lions in the meantime have a great offense (3rd) and a bad but improving defense (still 32nd in some rankings). So, who wins? The high-flying offense or the elaborate defense? This will be another close one for the Lions and will be low scoring game (by Lions standards). The Home team is favored by 3. Lions 14, Vikings 10 Chris Minnesota is 6-0, and the offense looks like a group project where one person did all the work. That person is Brian Flores, whose defense blitzes on a ridiculous amount of dropbacks, tops the league in pressure rate, and still gives up the longest average time to throw. It is mostly a magic trick: seven guys crowd the line, then Van Ginkel drops into coverage and tries to take the throw Goff thought was free. Drew Petzing needs answers before the snap and a few tricks after it, and screens, motion, and Gibbs finding soft spots in the zone should do the job. Stop Aaron Jones, make Kyler Murray throw 30 times, and Justin Jefferson won’t be doing the Griddy all afternoon in the end zone. It won't be pretty, but Detroit stays clean with the football and ends the Vikes streak politely. Bring a stress ball. Lions 23, Vikings 19

The final injury report looks like both the Lions and Vikings will be almost fully healthy with the players not a reserve list. The Lions are not anticipating anyone but Kerby Jorspeh being out, although a starting CB popped up with a foot thing, while the Vikings may be down a backup S. Week 8 Final Injury Report Vikings Friday: The Vikings saw everyone that previously was on the list fully practice on Friday, but backup S Jay Ward (Questionable) popped up as Limited with an ankle, and both Starting S Harrison Smith (LP) and OT Christin Darrisaw (NP) were not full participants, but do not have a game day designation. Thursday: Both Aaron Jones (LP) and Jon Huber (LP) returned to the field, and they were joined by starting RT Brian O'Neil (FP). However, backup TE Gavin Batholomew missed practice with an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability this weekend. Wednesday: Three starters with Knee injuries in Jones, O'Neil and Huber, and that is it. None appear serious to hold them out this weekend, but the one to watch is Huber, as he is already filling in for the injured Donovan Jackson, so that would be their 4th string OG if he cannot go. Lions Friday: The Lions Kerby Joseph and Roger mcCreary were the only players listed as Limited today, with Kerby Out as he continues to ramp up, but McCrearyu being listed as questionable with a new foot injury. Thursday: Every Lion except Ennis Rakestraw and Kerby Jospeh was full participant today. Those two were both limited. Joseph won't be activated, but Rakestraw could have a shot to play if he is limited or full tomorrow. Wednesday: Lions have some injury issues with Gibbs and St Brown both missing practice due to injuries, but likely just precautionary. Tyliek Williams was also out due to an illness and should be back by game day. Rakestraw, Saylors and Joseph all were limited, but all (except Kerby) should be good to go by Sunday. Hutch, McNeil, Sewell and Wonnum all had a rest day, no concerns there.

Welcome to Up Next in the North – your weekly briefing on the ever-shifting blueprint of the Black-and-Blue Division. Today we log the latest waiver wire wrinkles, run the diagnostic on the week’s injury reports and map out exactly how the next slate of games will be won or lost. The Cheeseheads (4-3) Up Next: Home against the 3-3 Panthers. When: Thursday 8:15 on Amazon Prime Spread: Packers (-3.5) Green Bay is facing a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game after losing in Detroit in a late Sunday afternoon contest. The biggest story for Green Bay, besides the continual whining about the referees in the Detroit game, is the mounting injuries. The offensive line that was already hobbled coming into Detroit is even worse off facing the Panthers. The defense is already missing their biggest star, but there were several others that got nicked up in Detroit. The Panthers are coming off a 43-13 shellacking at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that was over before it started. The teams faced off last year and the Panthers won, 16-13. Injuries on the Packer Defense: LB Zaire Franking – OUT. The starting MLB is out with a hairline shin fracture. DE/Edge Micah Parsons – OUT. He’s started to practice, but is still a few weeks off from returning DL Devonte Wyatt, DT Anthony Campbell, LB Brenton Cox – All three defensive players are managing ankle and/or thigh issues, but are trending toward playing after participating in mid-week walkthroughs. The short week will not be kind to this trio. Injuries on the Packer Offense: OC Sean Rhyan – OUT. Suffered a severe ankle injury against the Lions and is out. He avoided the IR, but is out for at least a few more weeks. OG Travis Glover – OUT. Reported severe knee pain after playing all 67 snaps in Detroit. OG/OC Jacob Monk – OUT. He stepped in to replace Rhyan last weekend and immediately suffered a quad injury. He is officially out for at least four weeks. WR Marcus Golden – QUESTIONABLE. The Packer’s leading receiver (36 catches, 540 yards) is dealing with shoulder and foot injuries. He sat out early in the week, but was upgraded to limited practice on Wednesday. Another player that would prefer to have a Sunday game this week. Other Personnel Movement: OT/OG Mekhi Becton – The former first rounder was activated from the practice squad. Becton was drafted by the Jets in 2020 in the first round. They did not use the 5th year option and in 2024 he became a free agent. He signed with the Eagles where he did start 15 games, but they thought so little of him they let him go after one season. The Chargers signed him and he started 14 games last season. They declined extending him last spring. He was a free agent until September 28 when the Packers signed him to their PS. DT Mazi Smith – Signed to the PS. The former UM Standout is another first round bust that the Packers are hoping can find his college mojo. Mazi did play nearly half the snaps in his second year in Dallas, but they traded him after 5 games of spotty usage last year. The Jets got 54 snaps out of him across 3 games last year and released him late in the preseason this year. Miami signed him to their PS and elevated him twice this year where he played 9 total snaps. The Dolphins released him a few weeks ago and the Packers signed him to their PS. If the guy can’t get regular playing time in Miami or on the Jets…. RB Damon Bankston – RELEASED from the PS to make room for Mazi. DaBears (5-2) Up Next: On the road at the 4-3 Seahawks. When: Monday 8:15 on ESPN/ABC Spread: Seahawks (-3.5) Coming off a 30-24 Thursday night victory over the Patriots, the Bears are riding a wave of momentum. Ben Johnson has Caleb Williams looking like a guy that deserved to be drafted first overall. Last week Caleb was 22-33 for his second straight 300+ yard game. He had a passer rating of 116.7 against the Pats. However, Seattle and the 12th man is no easy place to play. The Bears do have the benefit of being able to nurse the nagging injuries by playing on Thursday and then being off until Monday. The Seahawks last week took down the previously undefeated Chiefs 20-3. Mike MacDonald and the “Dark Side” totally shut down the Chiefs, holding them to just 213 yards and no touchdowns. Former Spartan/Former Seahawk Kenneth Walker III had just 36 yards on 14 carries. JSN had 9 catches for 150 and a score to pace the Seahawk offense Injuries on the Bears Defense: DB Malik Muhammad, LB D’Marco Jackson – QUESTIONABLE. Both have foot injuries and both made big plays against the Patriots before leaving early. Their status will be monitored right up through Saturday’s walkthroughs DL Dayo Odeyinbo – OUT. He was officially placed on IR following a quadriceps injury suffered a few weeks ago. He is out for a minimum of four more games. Injuries to the Bears Offense: TE Cole Kmet – OUT. His season is over as he suffered a serious knee injury last week. The Bears also have former Wolverine Coleston Loveland at tight end, but he really is a WR in a TE’s body. The majority of his snaps are lined up in the slot versus the traditional TE role. RB Kyle Monangai – DOUBTFUL. Monangai is trending towards being OUT. He has both a severe case of turf toe and a thumb issue. Despite the 10 day break, the movements below signal he isn’t back this week. Other Personnel Moves: EDGE Montez Sweat – SUSPENSION LIFTED. His served the entire 2 game suspension without an appeal as he took full responsibility. However, he did claim it was “definitely accidental” and a complete surprise! (wink, wink) when he learned he had unintentionally digested a banned substance. RB Zavier Scott – Signed to 53 man roster. The 27 year old was promoted to the active roster to provide depth behind former Lion D’Andre Swift with Monangai probably not playing. DB Nick McCloud – Released. The 6th year DB played in the slot, but with Muhammad coming on he has been mainly on special teams this year. DB K.C. Eziomume – Added to PS. Thank God for the transfer portal in college. The former Tulane Green Wave spent his first two years as a Bulldog playing for Alabama A&M before spending his 3rd collegiate season wearing the Great Danes jersey as a member of the University of Albany football team. Seems like a depth piece. Sent two first rounders and a fourth to the Tennessee Titans for DT Jeffrey Simmons. They are getting a 30-year-old former All pro DT that is in top 15 of league but will be owed $113M on his deal that Bears will be on the hook for until his 34th birthday. Skol (6-0) Up Next: on the road against the 4-2 Lions. When: Sunday, 1:00 on Fox Spread: Lions (-3) All fans of The Grey Manes are closely monitoring the Vikings this week as they travel to Ford Field. Minnesota is coming off a hard fought 16-10 win over the Colts at home. They had 275 total yards in offense, but held the Colts to just 218. However, the Colts managed 154 yards on the ground, so they may have exposed a chink in the Viking’s armor. Daniel Jones was just 13-22, but Daniel Jones can’t hold a candle to Jared Goff. The Vikings suffered no major injuries last week. Injuries to the Vikings Offense: RB Aaron Jones - “DAY-TO-DAY”. Kevin O’Connell indicated he isn’t worried about Jones. OT Brian O’Neill – QUESTIONABLE – He was a limited participant on Wednesday due to a minor knee injury, but is expected to play. OG Joe Huber – QUESTIONABLE – Sidelined due to knee soreness. He has been starting due to Donovan Jackson being injured. If he can’t go, the Vikings will be down to their 3rd string OG – either Trevor Keegan or Caleb Tierman. Injuries to the Vikings Defense: DT Caleb Banks – MONITOR. The rookie first rounder limped off the field late in Week 7. If he is out, that could further limit the run defense that the Colts seemed to take advantage of last week. Other Personnel Moves RB Jordan Mason – ACTIVATED FROM THE IR. He’ll provide depth for any part of the workload they don’t want to give to Jones. WR Jordan Addison – Has had a bad hammy since Week 4. He did sit out Week 5, and then the Vikings had a Week 6 bye. He played around 80% of the team’s snaps last week and has been listed as a full participant this week. This article was created with an assist from AI for information gathering purposes

The second practice report of the week brought most of the guys back onto the field fully for both teams, as game prep is now in full swing. Lions only had two that were limited, while the Packers had 1 still limited and a backup that missed. Week 8 Thursday Injury Report Vikings Thursday: Both Aaron Jones (LP) and Jon Huber (LP) returned to the field, and they were joined by starting RT Brian O'Neil (FP). However, backup TE Gavin Batholomew missed practice with an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability this weekend. Wednesday: Three starters with Knee injuries in Jones, O'Neil and Huber, and that is it. None appear serious to hold them out this weekend, but the one to watch is Huber, as he is already filling in for the injured Donovan Jackson, so that would be their 4th string OG if he cannot go. Lions Thursday: Every Lion except Ennis Rakestraw and Kerby Jospeh was full participant today. Those two were both limited. Joseph won't be activated, but Rakestraw could have a shot to play if he is limited or full tomorrow. Wednesday: Lions have some injury issues with Gibbs and St Brown both missing practice due to injuries, but likely just precautionary. Tyliek Williams was also out due to an illness and should be back by game day. Rakestraw, Saylors and Joseph all were limited, but all (except Kerby) should be good to go by Sunday. Hutch, McNeil, Sewell and Wonnum all had a rest day, no concerns there.

Week 8 has arrived and it's a week without an international game, with the Lions and Patriots picking that back up next week in Germany. The week kicks off Thursday with CAR@GB on Amazon Prime Video (and on local channels in these markets) with the usual duo of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstret will be on the call. The Sunday games will be CBS Regional Early and Late and FOX Single Games in the afternoon. The Sunday Night Football game on NBC is PHI@WAS with Mike Titico and Chris Collingsworth, and the week ends with CHI@SEA on Monday night football on ABC/ESPN. Joe Buck and troy Aikman will be on the call. The CBS Early games are BAL@BUF, CLE@PIT, IND@JAX and TEN@CIN while the CBS Late games are KC@DEN (to 90% of country) and NE@MIA. The FOX early games are MIN@DET (about 45% of country), ARZ@DAL, LAV@NYJ, ATL@TB and the lone late game is LAC@LAR. Byes: Houston, New Orleans, NY Giants, San Francisco NATIONAL BROADCASTS Thursday 8:00 ET: Carolina @ Green Bay (Amazon Prime Video) Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit also WSOC/ABC Charlotte, WGBA/NBC Green Bay, WITI/FOX Milwaukee Sunday 8:00 ET: Philadelphia @ Washington (NBC) Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth Monday 8:00 ET: Chicago @ Seattle (ESPN) Joe Buck, Troy Aikman also WCIU/26 Chicago, KCPQ/FOX Seattle CBS Early CBS Late FOX Single All listings are unofficial and subject to change. Check back often for updates.  Courtesy of the folks at 506 Sports

As we arrive at Week 8, the matchup with the Vikings looms large as the Lions take on the NFC North division leaders and that crazy defense run by Brian Flores. After beating the Packers, the Lions held a bunch of guys out for Rest today, but a few starters didn't practice due to injury. are still fairly healthy, with just a couple of minor tweaks to ankles. The Vikings have a rash of knee injuries, but per HC O'Connell, none appear serious enough to miss the game at this time. Did I mention that Kerby was back? Week 8 Wednesday Injury Report Vikings Wednesday: Three starters with Knee injuries in Jones, O'Neil and Huber, and that is it. None appear serious to hold them out this weekend, but the one to watch is Huber, as he is already filling in for the injured Donovan Jackson, so that would be their 4th string OG if he cannot go. Lions Wednesday: Lions have some injury issues with Gibbs and St Brown both missing practice due to injuries, but likely just precautionary. Tyliek Williams was also out due to an illness and should be back by game day. Rakestraw, Saylors and Joseph all were limited, but all (except Kerby) should be good to go by Sunday. Hutch, McNeil, Sewell and Wonnum all had a rest day, no concerns there.

Name: Craig Wrolstad Age: 61 Promoted To Referee: 2014 Graphic Courtesy of Football Zebras Last Game: 10/25/26 DEN@ARZ The Denver Broncos committed 11 penalties for 114 yards. They were flagged a total of 14 times. The Arizona Cardinals committed 9 penalties for 59 yards. They were flagged a total of 9 times. Together there were 20 penalties for 173 yards. There were 23 total flags in this game. Last Lions Game: 11/23/25 – NYG 27 @ DET 34 The New York Giants committed 7 penalties for 59 yards. They were flagged a total of 8 times. The Detroit Lions committed 9 penalties for 81 yards. They were flagged a total of 10 times. Together there were 16 penalties for 140 yards. There were 18 total flags in this game. Wrolstad's crew also officiated the Lions loss at KC on 10/12/25 where they only threw 4 flags on the Lions and 0 on KC, leading the Branch getting frustrated and suspended for punching Smith-Schuster Week 8 Penalty Tale of the Tape Vikings and Lions Notable This is the game where something will have to give. Wrolstad's crew is second most penalty-happy in the league in most major penalty categories, while both the Lions (6th) and Vikings (1st) are two of the least penalized teams in the NFL. This is a sharp departure from last season, where they were 11th most per crew averaging 14 flags a game, while this year they are throwing 20.67 per game, and increase of almost 7 penalties per game. Even worse, this was the crew that flagged the Chiefs 0 times when the Lions played in KC last season (Lions only had 4 flags) that lead to Branch ultimately getting suspended for a game. Comparing the Lions and Vikings, they both are among the least penalized teams, but they do align with Wrolstad's Crews tendencies, including False Start, Delay of Game and Offensive Holding for both teams. the Lions also align on DPI, but have gotten better lately, so hopefully this does not resurface Sunday. The flags go both ways, with the Home and way teams each averaging about nine flags per game, so expect a balanced, but potentially active, officiated game.

Welcome to Mickey's Musings, my weekly notebook where we skip the linear narrative and dive straight into three completely unrelated, but entirely fascinating storylines that are bouncing around in my head. Topic # 1 – Bart’s Fruit Market I grew up in Houghton Lake where Bart’s Fruit Market is a staple of the community. The original “Bart” was Don Bartholomew, father of one of my best friends from way back – Mark. Mark was the youngest of 8 kids in the family. When I say we went “way back”- I mean it. In little league I pitched and Mark was my catcher. With our last names being “Bauchan” and “Bartholomew” we were next to each other in home room and our lockers were side by side all through high school. Eventually, I was Mark’s best man in his wedding and he was mine. Mark had cancer and passed away in November of last year. Even though we were friends for 50+ years, being the youngest of 8 – his wedding and funeral were probably two of the less than 10 times that I ever saw his oldest siblings. They moved to Wisconsin as young adults when Mark and I were still in elementary school. With them in Wisconsin, there was quite a rivalry between Mark and the Michigan clan and the brothers and nieces and nephews in Wisconsin. So much so, that at his funeral last November it was said that Mark was buried wearing Green Bay Packer underwear so that he could shit on them for all of eternity. I’m sure Mark was looking down and smiling on the Lions’ victory this week. L to R - Mark Bartholomew (and friends), Bart's Fruit Market Sign, Don Bartholomew Topic # 2 – Analytics I truly believe in the sports world the word “analytics” has gotten a bad rap. It is really just another word for “information.” With computers and high speed cameras, we have more information than ever. In baseball, people have always shifted – you don’t think when Nolan Ryan was on the mound the outfielders shifted to the opposite field expecting batters to swing late? The difference is now we have computers that show where every batter hits every type of pitch. In basketball, the analytics have shown that shooting three pointers is a far more efficient way of scoring. In hoops, it is simple math. If a player can shoot 35% on threes, that’s like shooting 54% on two’s and not many guys do that. In football, there’s all kinds of algorithms that show projected points and success rates. When coaches decide whether they should go for a 4th down, there are oodles and oodles of statistics that show the odds and the potential points. Admittedly, the numbers can’t show you that the defense is exhausted from the other team having the ball for 2/3 of the game. The numbers can’t take into account an injured kicker which requires the team to go for 2 after every touchdown. The numbers don’t show you that the defense’s nose tackle is hurt and picking up 3 yards up the middle will be much easier. There are always other factors. In baseball, EVERYONE shifted so much that they had to ban the shift…In basketball the math is very obvious and teams now shoot 38 3-balls per game compared to just 14 back in 2000….In football, analytics are really in their infancy. The numbers and the math often back up the decisions, even if fans disagree. Are there times I wished he’d attempt the field goal versus going for it (Remember a field goal is NOT automatic)? Of course. But, overall, I can usually see the logic in the moves. The play calls leading up to 4th down are different when that is a team’s mindset. If you MAY go for it on 4th down then 3rd and 7 leaves you open to running the ball. Something I find interesting - the same logic used by baseball fans that hate analytics is the logic used by people that love them in football. How often have you heard an old school baseball fan say something like “Guys are swinging for the fences and just striking out too much. If they just put the ball in play then there is pressure on the defense to make the play. If you get on base and they think you’re going to steal, then there is pressure on the infielders and pressure on the catcher to not let a pitch past him. You swing for the fences and that doesn’t happen!”? Now, think about it in football…when a team goes for 4th down they’re making the defense make a play. When your opponent lines up for that 4th and 2, don’t you feel your sphincter tighten? You feel as if your team has “stopped” the other team, but now they’re going to go for that 4th and 2 and potentially keep the drive going. It is the same logic that baseball folks use to argue against analytics in that sport, but it actually favors a lot of the analytical decisions in football. That’s a long way to get to saying – if you look at 4th down attempts across the league, they’ve gone up exponentially. As have success rates. Too many people, fans and coaches alike, are stuck in the 1970’s when the only time someone attempted a 4th down conversion was in the last minute when they were losing. In 1986 teams averaged less than 10 fourth down attempts per season. That grew to just under once per game during the 90’s and all the way to about 2017 or so. Starting in the Covid season we saw teams average 25 attempts for the season. That number has steadily grown to last year where teams averaged 31 attempts. Sure, we have 17 game seasons now, but the number has tripled as teams try to maximize possession value. I’ve said since Dan Campbell came to Detroit that I feel he’s just ahead of the curve and those historical numbers show that to be true. By 2031 we may look back at this era and consider his coaching moves conservative. Topic #3 – Deacon Ernest Frye Sherman Helmsley in 'Amen' and 'The Jeffersons' Deacon Frye was a character in the 1980’s sitcom Amen. He was played by Sherman Hemsley. Of course, Sherman is much more famous for his other role, George Jefferson. George Jefferson, the owner of Jefferson Cleaners. The Jeffersons originally appeared on All in the Family, where they were Archie and Edith Bunker’s neighbors living in Queens. In the spin-off, George and Weezie were able to take their earnings from the cleaners and move from Queens to Manhattan. Their show was quite a cultural phenomena as, like All in the Family before them, they took on topics such as racism, suicide, alcoholism, transgenderism and the Klan. But, one of the things that most people remember about the show? The theme song! Go ahead and sing along: “Well, we’re movin’ on up, to the east side To a deluxe apartment in the sky Movin’ on up To the east side We finally got a piece of the pie!!! We didn’t get a piece of that pie yet, but with that win over the Packers, we’re movin’ on up and are still in the hunt. Bring on the Vikings. Go Lions!

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes from the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Amon-Ra St Brown on the cover of German Sports Illustrated Lions Players, Coaches and Team Sam LaPorta upped the ante on his lack of a contract extension on First Take last week Aidan Hutchinson is now the Lions career leader in QB hits since the stats started being tracked in 2006 Lions bringing in a veteran to compete for returner and WR spot opened up by Tom Kennedy injury Liosn brought back UDFA FL Aidan Keanaaina and released veteran DL Chris Smith form the Practice Squad. Amon-Ra St Brownn is gracing the cover of G erman Sports Illustrated ahead of the Lions and Patriots in Munich Brian Branch celebrated his 25th birthday this week with a return to the field The Packers-Lions game at Ford Field saw the launch of Mom's Spaghetti in the stadium with exclusive merch Lots of Lions accolades after the 20-17 win over the Packers Jared Goff Passed Derek Carr (41,245) for third-most passing yards through 11-career seasons in NFL History Goff is the only QB in NFL history to have 14-TDs and no turnovers through 1st six games of any season and only one of four to have 14+TDs and 0 INts in first six games of season Has thrown a TD pass in 29-straight games, tied for 15th long stream in NFL history The Lion's win was Goff's 18th game-winning drive as a Lion and 26th overall Aidan Hutchinson Tied Ezekiel Ansah for 4th most sack in Lions history at 48.0 Was his sixth carer 5+ QB hit game, tying for 4th most in NFL history since the stat was tracked in 2006 DJ Wonnum First Lion player to block a FG since Jeremiah Ledbetter vs MIN in 2017 Jake Bates bates is now 7 for 7 (100%) on go-ahead/game-tying FGs in final two minutes or OT in his career Brian Branch Picked off his 8th career interception in his 2026 debut Jahmyr Gibbs passed Artie Taylor (5,820) for 4th most scrimmage yards by a Lion RB in franchise history Amon-Ra St Brown 26th career 100 yard receiving game and fourth 100+ yard game by halftime in his career It was his 67th career five-catch game and second most five-catch games in NFL history for a player through six-career seasons Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation Eagles QB Jalen Hurts was shut down for the season after discovery of blood clot sin his lungs after initially finding them in his calf The yearly reminder that trading away multiple 1st rd. picks for someone else's "superstar" rarely works and leads to the unemployment line and mortgaging a team's futute. Disney will bring Star Wars Funday Football to Super Bowl LXI on Feb 14th, whatever that means. Looks like Jay-Z chose himself as the 2027 Super Bowl halftime performer, likely with Roc Nation artists joining him on the stage CBS makes it official with JJ Watt, signing him to be lead analyst on NFL games (permanent replacement for Romo) Did you know there was a rule that allows for a 1-point safety? Things I think are Noteworthy We lost a couple of good ones, including one that had People Skills! and the man known as Viper... High dollar sports collectibles are being stolen in transit at an alarming rate, including ~$1M in PSA graded cards off a FedEx truck 52oz Reese's Pies are back at BJ Wholesale Club RIP Richard Riehle