Lions vs. Giants Week 12: Key Injuries Shake Up NFL Matchup at Ford Field

The Detroit Lions and New York Giants are set to clash at Ford Field on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time — but this isn’t just another Week 12 game. With over a dozen key players sidelined by injuries, the matchup has turned into a test of depth, resilience, and coaching adjustments. The Lions, at 6-4, are clinging to playoff hopes in the NFC. The Giants, at 2-9, are already looking ahead to next season. And the injury report? It reads like a casualty list.

Defensive Shakeup for the Lions

The Lions’ secondary took a major hit. Starting cornerback Terrion Arnold is out with a concussion, and safety Kerby Joseph is sidelined with a knee injury — both ruled inactive on game day. That leaves Detroit’s pass defense without two of its most physical playmakers. But there’s a silver lining: D.J. Reed was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, November 22, after missing eight weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Reed’s return is a boost, but he’s coming off a long layoff. Can he handle NFL speed right away? The answer could decide whether the Giants’ struggling offense finds any rhythm.

Adding to the concern: cornerback Nick Whiteside and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo were also inactive. The Lions’ injury report lists seven players total, with offensive linemen Tate Ratledge and Graham Glasgow both listed as questionable. Neither practiced all week. If either can’t go, the Lions’ protection for quarterback Jared Goff — already dealing with pressure from a thin offensive line — becomes even more precarious. Running back Sione Vaki and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa are also questionable, meaning Detroit’s offense might be forced to rely more on its tight ends and short passes.

Giants’ Quarterback Crisis and Secondary Collapse

For the Giants, the injury situation is worse. Their starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, is out with a concussion — a non-contact injury that occurred during practice last week. That’s the third starting QB the Giants have lost this season. Veteran Jameis Winston will start his first game since Week 10, stepping in for a team that hasn’t won since October. Winston’s experience is valuable, but his arm strength has declined, and his decision-making under pressure has been inconsistent. He’ll be throwing to a receiving corps missing Darius Slayton (hamstring) and Thomas Fidone II, who was placed on injured reserve on November 22 after a foot injury.

The Giants’ secondary is in shambles. Cornerbacks Deonte Banks (hip), Paulson Adebo (knee), and Cor’Dale Flott (personal reasons) are all out. Safety Tyler Nubin (neck) is inactive too. That’s four of their top five defensive backs. The Lions’ passing game, even without TeSlaa and Vaki, should exploit this. And with Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) and Chauncey Golston (neck) both limited, Detroit’s offensive line may get more time than expected. The Giants’ pass rush? It’s gone.

Offensive Line Woes on Both Sides

The Lions’ offensive line has been a patchwork all season. Penei Sewell is playing through a leg issue, and Taylor Decker’s status remains unclear. With Ratledge and Glasgow questionable, the center-guard combo could be replaced by backups with minimal game experience. That’s dangerous against a Giants defense that, despite its injuries, still has Bobby Okereke and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches — both of whom are still active and capable of disrupting plays. If the Lions’ line falters, Goff could be under siege — and turnovers could come fast.

Meanwhile, the Giants’ offensive line is barely functional. Evan Neal (hamstring) is out, and James Hudson III is inactive. That leaves rookie tackle Josh Ezeudu and journeyman Shaq Mason as the likely starters. They’ll be facing a Lions defense that’s improved significantly since Week 6, with Josh Paschal and Marcus Davenport generating pressure. The Giants’ offensive line isn’t just bad — it’s a liability.

Why This Game Matters More Than the Record Suggests

The Lions are 6-4. They’re not a Super Bowl favorite, but they’re in the NFC playoff race. A win here keeps them within striking distance of the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. A loss? It could open the door for the Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons to leapfrog them.

The Giants? They’re 2-9. They’ve lost five straight. But this game isn’t about pride — it’s about identity. Can they show any signs of life? Can Winston, at 36, lead a drive that doesn’t end in a turnover? Can their young linebackers step up? The answer might determine whether head coach Brian Daboll gets to keep his job beyond this season. His comments before the game — “No big changes” — sounded like denial. But the roster tells a different story.

What’s Next?

If the Lions win, expect them to be mentioned as dark-horse playoff contenders. If they lose, questions will swirl about their offensive line, their depth, and whether they’re truly built for a postseason run. For the Giants, a loss means they’ll be 2-10 — and the NFL draft lottery becomes their only hope. But if they pull off an upset? That’s the kind of win that can change a locker room’s morale overnight. Winston’s leadership, even in defeat, could be the spark they need.

One thing’s clear: this game won’t be decided by star power. It’ll be decided by who steps up when their best players are on the bench.