Detroit Lions Updated Depth Chart: Week 7 vs. Buccaneers – Key Changes & Game Impact

October 20, 2025
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Detroit Lions Updated Depth Chart: Week 7 vs. Buccaneers – Key Changes & Game Impact

As the Detroit Lions prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, their updated depth chart reveals critical adjustments that could shape the outcome of this high-stakes matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard fan tracking roster moves or a fantasy football manager hunting for last-minute insights, this breakdown covers everything you need to know—from injury updates to strategic shifts.

With the Lions riding momentum after a strong start to the season and the Buccaneers looking to rebound, every positional tweak matters. Let’s dive into the latest changes, analyze their implications, and explore how Detroit’s lineup could exploit Tampa Bay’s weaknesses.

What Is a Depth Chart, and Why Does It Matter?

A depth chart in the NFL ranks players by position, showing who starts, who rotates in, and who serves as a backup. It’s a real-time snapshot of a team’s strategy, influenced by injuries, performance, and coaching decisions. For the Detroit Lions vs. Buccaneers Week 7 showdown, even minor changes—like a third-string cornerback moving up—can alter defensive schemes or offensive play-calling.

Here’s why this week’s updates are especially noteworthy:

  • Injury returns: Key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown or Alim McNeill may be back, boosting offensive or defensive firepower.
  • Rookie promotions: First-year standouts (e.g., Jahmyr Gibbs) might see expanded roles.
  • Matchup-specific adjustments: The Lions could prioritize speed on defense to counter Tampa’s passing game.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart: Week 7 Key Changes

Below are the most impactful updates across offense, defense, and special teams, based on the latest reports from Lions’ practice squad activations and coach Dan Campbell’s press conferences.

Offense: Who’s Stepping Up?

The Lions’ offense ranks among the NFL’s top units, but Week 7 brings intriguing persoel shifts:

  • Wide Receiver:

    • Starter: Amon-Ra St. Brown (questionable → active)
    • Slot Role: Kalif Raymond (expanded snaps if St. Brown is limited)
    • Deep Threat: Jameson Williams (more red-zone targets expected)

    Why it matters: St. Brown’s return gives Jared Goff a reliable chain-mover, while Williams’ speed could exploit Tampa’s secondary.

  • Ruing Back:

    • Starter: David Montgomery
    • Change-of-Pace: Jahmyr Gibbs (increased passing-down usage)
    • Short-Yardage: Craig Reynolds (active as a bruiser)

    Why it matters: Gibbs’ versatility in the passing game could force Tampa’s linebackers into coverage mismatches.

  • Offensive Line:

    • Left Tackle: Taylor Decker (full health)
    • Right Guard: Graham Glasgow (replaces Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who’s out)

    Why it matters: Glasgow’s experience stabilizes pass protection against Vita Vea’s interior rush.

Defense: Adjusting for Baker Mayfield & Mike Evans

The Buccaneers’ offense revolves around Baker Mayfield’s quick throws and Mike Evans’ physicality. Detroit’s defensive depth chart reflects countermeasures:

  • Cornerback:

    • CB1: Cameron Sutton (shadow coverage on Evans)
    • CB2: Jerry Jacobs (replaces injured Emmanuel Moseley)
    • Nickel: Brian Branch (blitz packages expected)

    Why it matters: Jacobs’ aggression could lead to big plays—or big mistakes—against Tampa’s receivers.

  • Defensive Line:

    • Edge: Aidan Hutchinson (double-teamed less with Alim McNeill back)
    • DT Rotation: McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike (fresh legs to collapse pockets)

    Why it matters: McNeill’s return forces Tampa to account for interior pressure, freeing up Hutchinson.

  • Linebacker:

    • Green Dot: Alex Anzalone (communication key vs. Tampa’s RPOs)
    • Pass Rush: Malcolm Rodriguez (blitzing A-gaps)

Special Teams: Hidden Game-Changers

Field position could decide this game. Watch for:

  • Kicker: Riley Patterson (perfect on FGs under 40 yards this season)
  • Punt Returner: Kalif Raymond (average of 12.3 yards/return)
  • Kickoff Coverage: Jalen Reeves-Maybin (tackling machine)

How These Changes Impact the Week 7 Matchup

The Buccaneers’ defense is vulnerable to:

  • Play-action passes: With Montgomery and Gibbs both threats, Goff could exploit Tampa’s aggressive safeties.
  • Screen games: Gibbs’ elusiveness in space could turn short passes into chunk gains.
  • Red-zone efficiency: Detroit’s 65% TD rate in the red zone (5th iFL) faces Tampa’s 28th-ranked red-zone defense.

Meanwhile, the Lions’ defense must:

  • Limit Mike Evans’ deep balls (he averages 17.2 yards/catch vs. Detroit).
  • Contain Rachaad White’s receiving ability (Lions allow 6.1 yards/target to RBs).
  • Force Mayfield into third-and-long situations (he’s completing just 48% of passes under pressure).

Fantasy Football Implications

Start with confidence:

  • Jared Goff (QB): Top-10 upside with St. Brown and Gibbs active.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs (RB/Flex): PPR gold if targeted 6+ times.
  • Ammon-Ra St. Brown (WR): Immediate WR1 if he plays 70%+ of snaps.

Approach with caution:

  • Jameson Williams (WR): Boom-or-bust; depends on deep-shot volume.
  • Detroit D/ST: Risky vs. Tampa’s improved O-line.

Injury Report & Practice Squad Moves

Key designations as of Friday’s injury report:

Player Position Injury Status Impact
Ammon-Ra St. Brown WR Heel Questionable → Active Full go if no setbacks.
Alim McNeill DT Knee No injury designation Full snap count expected.
Emmanuel Moseley CB Hamstring Out Jerry Jacobs starts; matchup downgrade for CBs.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai OG Back Out Graham Glasgow replaces; slight pass-pro drop.

Practice squad call-ups: QB Adrian Martinez (emergency QB3), WR Dylan Drummond (special teams).

Coaching Adjustments: What Dan Campbell Is Plaing

Campbell’s game plan likely includes:

  • Tempo control: Quick passes to neutralize Tampa’s pass rush (3rd in sack rate).
  • Gibbs’ usage: 15+ touches if the game script stays close.
  • Defensive disguises: Showing blitz, dropping 8 to confuse Mayfield.

Quote from Campbell (10/18 presser):

“Tampa’s got playmakers, but we’ve got guys who can match up. It’s about executing our keys—whether that’s Sutton on Evans or Branch in the slot.”

How to Watch & Key Storylines

Game Info

  • Date/Time: Sunday, October 22, 2023 | 1:00 PM ET
  • Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
  • TV: FOX (Check local listings)
  • Streaming: NFL+, Fox Sports App, fuboTV

Three Storylines to Follow

  1. St. Brown’s Health: If he’s limited, does Goff lean on Gibbs and LaPorta?
  2. Trench Battle: Detroit’s O-line vs. Vea/White—who controls the line of scrimmage?
  3. Turnover Margin: The Lions are +5 in TO differential; Tampa is -3. Which team wins the giveaway battle?

Predictions & Final Thoughts

This game hinges on three factors:

  1. Detroit’s red-zone efficiency: If they score TDs (not FGs) on 3+ drives, they win.
  2. Tampa’s pass protection: Mayfield’s been sacked 18 times; Hutchinson/McNeill could feast.
  3. Special teams: A Raymond punt return or Patterson FG could swing momentum.

Score Prediction: Lions 27, Buccaneers 24

Detroit’s offensive depth and Tampa’s red-zone struggles give the Lions a narrow edge. Expect a back-and-forth game where the team that wins the turnover battle prevails.

Get Ready for Kickoff

Whether you’re tuning in for the fantasy implications, the playoff race ramifications, or just the pure excitement of Lions football, Week 7 promises drama. Here’s how to stay updated:

Call to Action: Who do you think wins this matchup? Drop your predictions in the comments—and if you’re playing fantasy, did this depth chart analysis change your lineup? Share below!

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