He Detroit Lions They will be without two key pieces of their defense in Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

defensive end Josh Pascual and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez will be out for the pivotal matchup. Paschal has been dealing with an illness that forced him to miss last week’s game against the Titans, while Malcolm Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss the first quarter against the Titans.

Paschal He hasn’t practiced since early last week due to a medical issue. While the Lions won’t have him for the second straight week, coach Dan Campbell said he’s hopeful they will have him next week against the Houston Texans.

“He’ll be out. Both he and Malcolm will be out,” Campbell said Friday. “But no, nothing long-term, which is great news, and we’re hoping to have him back next week.”

detroit He will once again rely on players like James Houston and Isaiah Thomas at defensive end, with Al-Quadin Muhammad and Isaac Ukwu potentially practice squad options. Muhammad appears to be on track for a second consecutive promotion. Muhammad impressed with six pressures in his Lions debut on Sunday.

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As a linebacker, lions will feature players like Trevor Nowaske and Jalen Reeves-Maybin along with starters Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone. Like Pascual, Rodríguez’s absence is not expected to be long-term.

detroit and Green Bay will battle for first place in the NFC North on Sunday, and the Lions look to extend their winning streak to six games. Several players missed Wednesday’s practice due to injuries or rest-related reasons, but Rodriguez and Paschal are the only players who missed both Wednesday and Thursday.