The Lions Are Actually Healthy Heading Into Week 1 — And Their Opponent Isn't

After years of being defined by brutal injury luck, the Detroit Lions are entering their Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints with genuinely good health news. Tight end Sam LaPorta, who dealt with a hip injury during camp, hasn't appeared on the injury report at all this week, clearing him to start the season fully ready to go. Only three players carried limited designations into Thursday's practice, cornerback Christian Izien, edge rusher Derrick Moore, and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, while the rest of the roster, including Ennis Rakestraw, Trevor Nowaske, and Keith Abney, all returned to full participation. It's about as clean of a health report as Detroit could have hoped for after a camp filled with real injury concerns at safety and along the offensive line. The good fortune doesn't stop there. New Orleans enters this game significantly more banged up. The Saints will officially be without linebacker Jaylan Ford, first-round rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and safety Lorenzo Styles Jr., all on injured reserve, while star pass rusher Cameron Jordan will also miss the opener with a hamstring injury and Alvin Kamara's status remains uncertain with a knee issue. It's a big reason Detroit opened as a touchdown favorite for this game, even with the Lions still breaking in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and missing both starting safeties to begin the year. In this video, we break down Detroit's full injury report, exactly how banged up New Orleans is heading into Sunday, and what it all means for the Lions' chances of starting the season strong at Ford Field. 🔔 Subscribe for daily Lions news, injury updates, and game previews all season long! 👍 Like this video if you're feeling good about the Lions' health for once 💬 Comment below: What's your score prediction for Week 1? 🔁 Share with a Lions fan who needs this good news #DetroitLions #LionsNation #NFL #NFLNews #SamLaPorta #NFLInjuryUpdate #NewOrleansSaints #DanCampbell #DrewPetzing #NFC North #NFL2026Season #NFLPreseason2026 #DetroitLionsFootball #NFLFootball #NFLScoutingReport #FantasyFootball #NFLWeek1 #JaredGoff #AidanHutchinson #CameronJordan