Detroit Lions downgrade DL Kevin Strong to out for Week 3

Another obstacle for the third year defensive lineman.

The Detroit Lions have downgraded defensive lineman Kevin Strong to out ahead of their Week 3 contest with the Baltimore Ravens.

Strong suffered a concussion in Week 1 and was forced to miss Week 2 after he was unable to clear the league’s five-step concussion protocol rules. Week 3 started out well for Strong as he appeared on the right track to be cleared after a full-contact practice on Thursday, but on Friday, he injured his thigh and was listed as questionable. His thigh injury was likely reassessed on Saturday, which he did not pass medically and it led to him being downgraded.

The Lions have opted to roll with five interior defensive linemen each of the past two weeks, but with the Ravens’ No. 2 DVOA running game on tap, the Lions may be interested in adding depth to the rotation. One option they could consider is elevating Bruce Hector from the practice squad. Hector had a solid preseason and the Lions think so highly of him that they have protected from poaching all three weeks of the regular season.

At this time, beyond Strong, linebacker Jamie Collins—whom the team is actively trying to trade—is the only other player that has been ruled out.