Lions face early season roster shortages amid challenging schedule

The Detroit Lions open the 2026 season without several key starters due to injury. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are sidelined in the secondary, while Isiah Pacheco remains on injured reserve and will miss at least the first four games. Tight end Sam LaPorta also faces questions regarding his availability for the early portion of the schedule. Despite these absences, Detroit maintains a favorable early-season schedule that includes matchups against the Saints, Jets, Panthers, and Cardinals. The team aims to establish itself as a contender by securing victories during this opening stretch before the bye week. The staff expects the offensive unit, led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, to compensate for potential defensive limitations.

• 2:14 PMYahoo Sports — No Pacheco. No Branch. No Problem: Why the Lions’ Soft Start Covers Their Injuries