Lions sideline Izien, Hassanein for Saints opener

Key points

• Lions inactives: DB Christian Izien (groin), CB Ennis Rakestraw, LB Jimmy Rolder, EDGE Ahmed Hassanein, DT Mekhi Wingo.
• All five inactive Lions players are defensive specialists, indicating a deep defensive roster.
• Lions had 53 players on the game-day roster, with 48 eligible to play, requiring five inactives.
• Saints inactives: QB Zach Wilson, RB Alvin Kamara (knee), TE Oscar Delp (hamstring), OT Mason Murphy, EDGE Cameron Jordan (hamstring), DL John Ridgeway, DL Khristian Boyd.
• Both teams entered the game relatively healthy, with only minor injury concerns for regular contributors.

Background

The Lions had a clean bill of health entering Week 1, with all 52 active roster players practicing. Earlier in the season, Ahmed Hassanein stood out in the preseason opener against Cincinnati with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. Ennis Rakestraw had an injury exit in the same preseason game. Mekhi Wingo had a groin issue earlier in the season but was cleared for Sunday's game by CBS Sports. The Saints' defense was noted as improved and fast, with a rising secondary led by McKinstry, and their offense anchored by rookie QB Tyler Shough.

How outlets are covering it

Pride Of Detroit reported the full list of inactives for both teams, emphasizing the Lions' defensive depth. Sports Illustrated focused on rookie DE Derrick Moore's expected debut and Izien's recovery from a groin injury, noting Campbell's optimism about Izien's return. CBS Sports confirmed Mekhi Wingo was cleared for the game after recovering from a groin issue. The Green Bay Packers article, while unrelated to the Lions-Saints game, highlighted similar gameday roster moves in the NFL, such as elevating players from the practice squad.

Why it matters

The inactives list provides insight into the Lions' defensive depth and injury status entering the regular season. The absence of key defensive players like Izien and Hassanein could impact the team's pass rush and coverage, while the Saints' inactives, including QB Zach Wilson and RB Alvin Kamara, may affect their offensive strategy. The game is a crucial early-season test for both teams, with the Lions facing a rising Saints defense and the Saints looking to establish their offense against a rebuilt Lions interior line.

What to watch

The Lions and Saints will face off on September 13, 2026, at Ford Field. The outcome of the game will provide early insights into the teams' regular-season prospects, particularly the Lions' defensive depth and the Saints' offensive consistency. Future injury updates and roster moves will be closely monitored as the season progresses.