In a crucial Week 17 matchup, the Detroit Lions (11-4) and the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) find themselves with mounting concerns in their respective secondaries. Recent injury updates reveal that both teams could be dealing with a lack of depth in this crucial area of their defense.

The Lions' cornerback, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, continues to recover from a pectoral injury. Although he has been steadily progressing towards a return in recent weeks, Gardner-Johnson's evaluation period remains ongoing with 13 days remaining. This indicates that he is not yet ready to be activated and is likely to miss the upcoming game. Fans of the Lions may have to wait until Week 18 to see Gardner-Johnson back on the field.

Meanwhile, the status of James Houston, the Lions' edge rusher, is also uncertain. Houston's injury evaluation officially began on Thursday, and he now has 20 days to determine if he will be able to make a comeback this season. Although eligible to return at any point during the evaluation period, Houston has been ruled out for the upcoming game, which means he won't be available to play. However, there is still a possibility of his return in Week 18 or even in the playoffs, providing some hope for the Lions' defense.

Additionally, the Lions have faced a setback as defensive back Wright has not participated in practice for the past two weeks. This will mark his second consecutive missed game. However, the team has chosen not to place him on the injured reserve list, suggesting that they anticipate his return for the playoffs.

On the other side of the field, the Dallas Cowboys are also facing a potential shortage in their secondary. Sutton, a key player, sustained a midweek toe injury and was notably absent from Thursday's practice. Although listed as questionable, his recovery timeline remains uncertain, leaving doubts about his availability for the upcoming game on Sunday, or even the Saturday matchup.

As the regular season comes to a close, both teams are facing significant challenges in their defensive backfield. Depth will be crucial, and injuries to key players can greatly impact the teams' strategies and overall performance. With the playoffs approaching, the Lions and Cowboys must carefully manage their injured players while seeking alternative options to fill the void in their respective secondaries. The coming weeks will reveal if these teams can overcome the obstacles and emerge victorious on the path to the postseason.