The Detroit Lions are set to face a Week 6 showdown with serious stakes, but off-field news has been dominating the headlines. The team’s preparation has been shadowed by an expensive league fine and an injury report that is causing concern. Tight end Brock Wright is the focus of the disciplinary update, while head coach Dan Campbell has increasing uncertainty surrounding the readiness of top starters.

The NFL imposed a five-figure fine on Lions tight end Brock Wright officially for unnecessary roughness in last week’s game. Wright was fined $11,883 after it seemed he tried to trip Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson during a pass rush.

The play happened late in the first quarter with Hendrickson beating Wright off the edge and sprinting toward Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff. Before he could get to the quarterback, Wright put out a leg and attempted to stifle the rusher, an action the league ruled was in contravention of player safety protocols.

Though Wright wasn’t penalized on the field, the league’s post-game review resulted in the fine. It is a rare instance of disciplinary action against the usually disciplined tight end.

For Wright, the fine marks a clear departure from his previously clean record. Since joining the Lions in 2021, he has been flagged for only eight penalties, mostly false starts, and has never been fined before. This marks the first time he’s faced financial discipline from the NFL, underscoring the league’s growing emphasis on player safety and conduct on the field.

However, Wright had a good game against the Bengals. He proved to be trustworthy for Jared Goff in the red zone. He caught a three-yard TD pass to help the Lions continue the lead. In just five games this season, he has already crossed his last year’s production, with 5 receptions for 37 yards, and two touchdowns.

The play added additional intrigue surrounding Hendrickson, whose name was mentioned in trade speculation this weekend. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the 49ers are likely to “check in” on the Bengals star after losing Nick Bosa to injury. San Francisco GM John Lynch had already confirmed that the team was searching for options at edge rusher. With the trade deadline looming, Wright’s disputed block may have had a backdoor effect on Hendrickson’s value.

However, the Lions are in much deeper trouble ahead of their Week 6 game against the Chiefs.

Dan Campbell receives alarming update

Injury issues keep mounting for head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions have officially ruled seven players out of Sunday’s game, with some listed as questionable. This list also includes key players on the secondary and offensive line.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold continues to deal with a shoulder injury and was unable to practice all week. He’s been ruled out for Sunday. Linebacker Zach Cunningham is also sidelined with a hamstring issue after missing all three practices.

Offensive tackle Taylor Decker joins the list of absentees with a shoulder injury that kept him off the field all week. Defensive back Avonte Maddox was limited on Thursday before sitting out on Friday, and he, too, has been ruled out. Rookie offensive lineman Giovanni Manu followed the same pattern with a knee injury and will not play.

Defensive lineman Alim McNeill practiced in full throughout the week despite a knee concern, but has surprisingly been ruled out for the game. Campbell reported that McNeill stands at “51%” for a possible season debut on Monday Night Football next week, upgraded from 50% earlier. It appears the coaching staff is being careful with McNeill coming off his ACL setback.

Running back Sione Vaki was a non-participant all week with a groin injury and has also been declared out.

In the “questionable” category, safety Kerby Joseph continues to battle a knee issue and did not practice at all this week. Defensive back Brian Branch was limited early in the week but did not practice Friday, putting his status in doubt. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond was limited the past two days with a neck injury and is questionable as well.

The actual concern is with the secondary. During his Friday press conference, Campbell announced that all three of the team’s best safeties, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Avonte Maddox, are on the injury list. Branch (ankle) and Joseph (knee) both sat out Friday’s practice and are game-time decisions.

Lions are thin at safety. Only Thomas Harper and Loren Strickland are fully healthy, both of whom are special teams players. If none of the three starting safeties play Sunday, the Lions’ defense will have to do something together with backup corners or promoted practice squad players.

Though Campbell expressed confidence. “We’ll be ready,” he said. “We’ve got answers ready to go. We’ll have a contingency plan … we’ll be prepared.”

That optimism will be tested against a passing attack looking to capitalize on Detroit’s depleted secondary. The Lions have done well so far this season, but their injury list could define how long that momentum lasts.