The Detroit Lions have a big game Sunday against the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.

Injuries are a big part of how a game can play out. MicroMike talks about the Lions’ injury update and five keys to victory in this video.

Injured Players Return

Players who were back to practice but limited include center Frank Ragnow and cornerback Amani Oruwariye. Ragnow did not play last week and is a crucial contributor to the Lions’ offensive line, and it is a great sign for him to be back at practice. Also, Oruwariye got some reps in practice. For the Lions to slow down Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, Oruwariye needs to be playing on Sunday.

New Players On The Injury Report

Tight end T.J. Hockenson and safety JuJu Hughes got banged up against the Commanders and did practice but were limited. These two limited in practice looks to be precautionary; both players should be available Sunday.

Players Who Did Not Practice

Running back D’Andre Swift, guard Jonah Jackson, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and defensive lineman John Cominsky did not practice. Swift and Hutchinson were getting veteran rest days and will be a go for Week 3. Jackson is still dealing with a finger injury, and Cominsky will be out for multiple weeks due to wrist surgery.

Keys To Victory

The match between cornerback Jeffrey Okudah and wide receiver Justin Jefferson could determine who wins the game Sunday. Jefferson is one of the elite receivers in the NFL and already has more than 230 yards in receptions, and Okudah must be able to stay with him and slow down his production in this game.

MicroMike on Jeffrey Okudah (4:24)

“If he (Jeffrey Okudah) can stop Justin Jefferson, guess what, folks, we’re probably going to win the game.”

The Lions have a top-tier offensive line. The pass rush from the Vikings is outstanding. Leading the way for the Vikings is linebacker Za’Darius Smith. The Lions’ offensive line must protect quarterback Jared Goff and give him time in the pocket to distribute the football to his weapons.

The offensive line also must open up holes for the run game. To wear down a lousy rush defense in Minnesota, Swift must run the football with ease. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson must design effective run plays for the offensive line and Swift.

Finally, Goff must go deep against the secondary of the Vikings. Take advantage of a poor second with wide receivers D.J. Chark and Josh Reynolds. Let these two get some deep routes and make a big play happen. Get these two players involved with some play action and open up this offense.