Detroit Lions Mekhi Wingo questionable vs. Green Bay Packers

The Detroit Lions will already be without two key players on their defense, and could be without another key player for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo is listed as questionable after first appearing on the injury report on Thursday. He was on the limited list on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Rookie running back Sione Vaki was also listed as questionable.

The Lions have already ruled out Malcolm Rodriguez and Josh Paschal, while defensive lineman Brodric Martin was ruled out in the first week of his return to practice after being on injured reserve.

Wing has been tasked with taking on a bigger role in recent weeks with other injuries along the defensive line. Thanks to his versatility, the rookie has been used in multiple ways.

“When we drafted that player, we knew who he was. Undersized, penetrating three-technique, and we knew exactly what we were going to try with him,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “What happened to him when we got these injuries is that we have to move him around in different places. But that’s the good thing about Wingo, his versatility and the strength of his lower body to handle the different opportunities that we encounter. he could play in different positions. He played end for us, he played inside, he played big end for us, so that was a pleasant surprise for us to be honest.”

So far in the season Wing has an overall Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 63.1. The LSU product was part of a defensive line rotation that also includes Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill and DJ Reader.

“We knew he was a good player, we knew he was strong, but to see him be able to hold his own at the point of attack was good to see so we could put him in those spots,” Glenn explained out. “So, if you just look at what we’ve done on defense, every year we’ve had a rookie play an important role for us, and I think that goes for the whole league. But when you have good results, players, you try to get them on the field as much as possible, and Wingo is one of those guys who we try to get as much playing time as possible.

Lions Week 9 Friday injury report

Malcolm Rodriguez– OUT (Single)
Josh Paschalis — OUT (Disease)
Brodric Martin — OUT (Knee)
Mechi Wingo — Doubtful (Single)
Sione Vaki — Doubtful (Knee)