Lions' Top Cornerback to Miss Thanksgiving Game

The Detroit Lions will have their work cut out for them when they host the Buffalo Bills today in the first game of the NFL's Thanksgiving feast. Cornerback Jeff Okudah is officially inactive for this afternoon's matchup.

Detroit Lions inactives:
CB Jeff Okudah
G Jonah Jackson
G Evan Brown
DL Charles Harris
DL Josh Paschal
DL Michael Brockers
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 24, 2022

Okudah suffered a concussion early on in the Lions' Week 11's 31-18 win over the New York Giants, exiting after a mere 18 snaps. He could not get cleared in time for today's game.

Okudah was in the midst of the best year of his career before Sunday's injury. He had nabbed one interception and broken up five passes in his 10 starts while allowing a 92.7 passer rating on throws in his direction, all personal bests. His absence could prove devastating against a Bills offense that has scored the second-most points in the league and features wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who ranks third in the league with 103.3 receiving yards per game.

Okudah initially joined the Lions as their third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after three years with Ohio State. He struggled with injuries and poor play in his first two years, allowing a 128.0 passer rating on throws in his direction across 10 appearances. He appeared to have turned a corner this year.