INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time this season, the Lions' defense will start a new pair of outside cornerbacks.
Veteran Carlton Davis III and rookie Terrion Arnold have started the first 10 games of the season at the two outside cornerback spots, but Arnold is inactive today against the Colts due to a groin injury suffered in practice this week. He suffered the injury Thursday and was a full participant in practice Friday, but the team downgraded him to out on Saturday. He did not travel to Indianapolis with the team.
Veteran Kindle Vildor is likely to start in his place. Vildor started two games in the regular season and all three of Detroit's playoff games last year.
Also inactive for the Lions today are linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad, defensive tackle Brodric Martin, tackle Giovanni Manu, offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal and offensive lineman Kayode Awosika.
The Awosika inactive is an interesting one as he's been the primary backup at guard this season. Rookie Christian Mahogany is active for the first time this season and he seems to have taken over that role for the Lions. The Lions drafted him in the sixth round of this year's draft and love the physical nature in which he plays the game. He missed all of training camp with an illness and has diligently worked his way back over the last couple months.
"That's something I pride myself on and I look forward to bringing it to the National Football League," Mahogany said of the physical nature in which he plays the game.
Also active for the first time this season is veteran cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. He's back after suffering a torn pectoral injury in training camp. With rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. being put on Reserve/Injured this week with a hamstring injury, Moseley provides depth at both the nickel and outside cornerback spots.
Linebacker David Long, who was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday, is also active and provides depth at the position with the Lions playing their first game without the injured Alex Anzalone today.
