ALLEN PARK -- Tim Boyle just turned in the worst-rated game by any Lions starting quarterback since 2009. His head coach thinks he’ll be better if he’s needed again on Thanksgiving, although perhaps it won’t come to that.
The Lions have upgraded Jared Goff to limited on their estimated practice report on Monday afternoon. The report was estimated because Detroit didn’t actually practice, but the league requires them to file one anyway because of the Thanksgiving game in three days against the Chicago Bears.
Guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (brain), defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (groin), edge rusher Trey Flowers (knee), cornerback A.J. Parker (ankle) and offensive lineman Matt Nelson (ankle) were all listed as out, while receiver Trinity Benson (knee) and running back Jermar Jefferson (knee/ankle) were limited.
So there are plenty of injury concerns for the Lions to navigate during the short turnaround to Thanksgiving -- the shortest turnaround in the league all season -- although their quarterback situation does seem to be improving.
Goff missed the 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday because of an oblique injury he suffered the previous week, but did throw a few passes during warmups, yet another sign he is healing quickly. But whether he’s healing quickly enough to be ready for Turkey Day remains very much to be seen.
What has already been seen: The Lions could use him. Goff has been bad this season, but Boyle was worse in Cleveland, completing 15 of 23 passes for just 77 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 34.1. That’s the worst rating by a Lions starting quarterback since Drew Stanton’s starting debut for an injured Matthew Stafford in 2009.
Of course, the Bears have injury problems of their own, including at quarterback. Rookie Justin Fields was listed as out on their estimated practice report, along with important starters like defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and receiver Allen Robinson, while pass rusher Khalil Mack has already been placed on injured reserve.
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