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The Detroit Lions welcomed back one offensive weapon for Week 11 practice, but are looking like they will without their biggest come game day. Quarterback Matthew Stafford sat out his second straight day of practice due to fractures in his back. Meanwhile, running back Ty Johnson returned to practice on Thursday, according to beat writer Justin Rogers.
Stafford suffered a back fracture that had him questionable last week against the Chicago Bears before being formally ruled out on game day. Jeff Driskel started in his place and threw for 269 yards with a touchdown and an interception. On Monday, Matt Patricia described Stafford as “truly day by day, week to week,” according to beat writer Kyle Meinke.
Johnson started at running back last week, but suffered a concussion that removed him from the game. He left the game after five rushes for 16 yards and one three-yard reception. JD McKissic replaced him in the starting lineup, with Paul Perkins getting some work as well. Johnson was a DNP at Wednesday’s practice, so returning to practice on Thursday suggests he is moving through the concussion protocol.
Fantasy football analysis: QB Matthew Stafford, RB Ty Johnson
It seems like a good bet that Stafford will not play on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Driskel will get another start, this time against a defense that ranks 18th in pass efficiency. He’s not a viable fantasy option, and is a downgrade to much of that roster.
If Johnson sits, McKissic would get the start. If Johnson plays, McKissic holds moderate but not great PPR value. Neither is a particularly good start generally, but all the more so with Driskel likely starting over Stafford. The eight-man boxes will be plentiful on Sunday.