### Detroit Lions Adapt Defense to Absence of Key Players in Week 7 Showdown

Week 7 saw the Detroit Lions stepping onto the field without their star pass-rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, for the first time this season. To fill the void left by Hutchinson's league-leading performance, the Lions deployed a multi-faceted defense against the Minnesota Vikings. They also had to manage without starter Marcus Davenport. Despite these setbacks, the Lions managed to sack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold four times, marking a formidable defensive effort.

Josh Paschal and Isaac Ukwu were appointed as the starting EDGE players, with Paschal recording the first sack of the game. Paschal played 52 of the 60 defensive snaps, the most among his peers. Ukwu, who was elevated from the practice squad for the second week running, participated in 34 snaps. Other contributors included Levi Onwuzurike with 26 snaps, Pat O’Connor—recently signed—playing 12 snaps, rookie Mekhi Wingo with 11, and James Houston, who stepped in for nine plays.

In addition to the changing line-up at the EDGE, the Lions leaned on five defensive stalwarts who played all 60 snaps: safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold, and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Paschal could have potentially joined this group, but he had to leave the field twice due to injury concerns attended to by trainers.

The Lions' defensive strategy also shifted to incorporate more three-linebacker formations than usual. Malcolm Rodriguez played 32 snaps, Jack Campbell contributed 47, and newly assigned SAM linebacker Trevor Nowaske saw action on 14 plays. Jalen Reeves-Maybin also made his presence felt with 10 snaps, not including his role in an unsuccessful fake punt attempt in the first quarter.

On the offensive side, the starting offensive line, which included substitute right guard Kayode Awosika, maintained consistency by playing all 57 snaps of the game. The team did not employ any additional linemen during this matchup. The running back duties were shared primarily between Jahmyr Gibbs with 33 snaps and David Montgomery with 22, while Craig Reynolds participated in just two plays.

Rookies Ennis Rakestraw (cornerback) and Sione Vaki (running back) saw action exclusively on special teams. Shane Zylstra, elevated from the practice squad for this game at the expense of healthy scratch Parker Hesse, logged three offensive snaps and contributed 21 out of 31 possible snaps on special teams.

Detroit Free Press and Lions Wire continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Lions' season as the team navigates through injuries and roster changes.