The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers square battle in an NFC North showdown that has suddenly become quite crucial. The Lions (8-2) are attempting to hold on to their division lead against the Vikings (6-5). Despite the fact that their lead appears to be very secure following Minnesota’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Packers (4-6), on the other hand, are only one slot off of the final Wild Card spot. Every victory counts for the Packers in the future. The Lions will be without a previous Super Bowl winner for this crucial game.
Bruce Irvin, a recent practice squad signing, will not be in the Detroit Lions starting on Thursday. Head coach Dan Campbell made it plain that Irvin would not be promoted for the Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving visit.
Irvin was added to the practice squad last week after the Lions’ pass rush struggled. Detroit’s pressure was stronger against the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields, but it still lacked oomph and finishing ability. But Irvin has yet to demonstrate to Campbell or the Lions coaches that he can contribute.
When asked if Irvin would play against Green Bay in Week 12, Campbell stated,
“That’s plausible. I still don’t see it occurring, at least not right now. We want to be intelligent. We want to be strategic in our approach. And he’s – look, he’s working, he’s learning stuff, he’s in good form, and I just want to be careful about how we move forward here.”
Irvin, 36, had been unsigned all season until the Lions signed him to their practice squad. Detroit is his sixth team in as many years, including two seasons with Seattle that were not consecutive. The Lions are also healthy at the DE/OLB positions.
With 23 sacks, the Lions are ranked 22nd in the NFL. Despite their efforts to bring the quarterback down, the squad is continuously applying pressure to the pocket. Detroit ranks sixth with a pressure rate of 24.3%.
In his 13th season as a former first-round choice, Irvin has 55.5 sacks. In 11 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season, he recorded 12 total pressures and 3.5 sacks. The Packers’ lack of having to face Irvin should keep Jordan Love standing a little more frequently on Thanksgiving.
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