The Detroit Lions face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 20, 2025, for Week 7 of the NFL at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Kickoff is at 8:00 PM ET, highlighting injury concerns for both teams, particularly in the Lions’ defense and Buccaneers’ offense. The game takes place in a domed stadium with external temperatures at 55°F and dry conditions, posing no weather impact.
Live broadcast airs on ABC and ESPN in the US, with ESPN+ streaming for international viewers. In Brazil, ESPN and Star+ provide full coverage.
With Lions at 4-2 and Buccaneers at 5-1, injuries could shift defensive and offensive strategies in this NFC matchup.
Both teams list multiple players as doubtful or out, per Saturday’s final updates.
Lions defense hit hardest
Detroit Lions report seven injured players, targeting the secondary and offensive line.
Three defenders ruled out: safety Kerby Joseph (knee), cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder), and running back Sione Vaki (ankle), affecting coverage and returns.
Left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) is questionable after limited practice but likely to play in quarterback protection.
The defense logs nine forced turnovers in six games despite recent losses.
Buccaneers offense under strain
Tampa Bay Buccaneers list 11 injured players, focusing on receivers corps.
Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (foot and shoulder) ruled out, forcing passing game adjustments.
Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) questionable, with Evans expected and Egbuka a game-time decision.
Linebacker Lavonte David (knee and ribs) had limited practice but expected to start.
Key Lions absences detailed
Without Joseph and Arnold, who combine for 45 tackles this season, the Lions lose secondary depth.
Decker’s potential absence, with 12 starts in 2025, may require offensive line shifts, exposing Jared Goff to pressure.
David Montgomery holds four rushing touchdowns, offsetting Vaki’s special teams void.
- Lions ruled out players:
- Kerby Joseph (knee)
- Terrion Arnold (shoulder)
- Sione Vaki (ankle)
- Graham Glasgow (groin)
Critical Buccaneers injuries
Godwin’s absence removes 52 receiving yards, shifting aerial attack to Rachaad White’s 214 rushing yards.
Irving out since Week 4 weakens the backfield, increasing White’s role against Lions defense.
Baker Mayfield has 1,539 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, but limited receivers push run-heavy focus.
The secondary loses Jamel Dean (ankle), with Carlton Davis stepping up in coverage.
Game preparation amid injuries
Lions coach Dan Campbell focuses on defensive tweaks post-injuries, while Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles tests offensive depth.
Tickets remain available on NFL’s official site for Ford Field’s 65,000 capacity.
Analysts list Lions as 6.5-point favorites, with over/under at 53.5 points.