The Detroit Lions are just a few wins away from the top playoff seeds in the NFC heading into a crucial game against the Dallas Cowboys. This season, the team’s health has been crucial, especially for the offensive line, which has been instrumental in the offense’s high-level performance.

Most recently, behind the healthy line, running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 135 yards on the ground against Minnesota, who came into the game with the toughest run defense in the league.

In Week 16, Gibbs was the center of attention for the Lions offense, receiving the majority of the third-quarter snaps. In an effort to balance the number of snaps in the backfield, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson would bring Montgomery back into the game in the fourth quarter.

Really, it was just the way things happened. To be honest, I really don’t have much of a reason for you,” Johnson said. We were sort of rolling along when (Scottie) Montgomery, the running backs coach, said, “This is going to be Gibby’s series. This is going to be Gibby’s series.” That’s how we sort of got over it.

I’m not sure if we were just trying to smooth things out in the second half because the reps were so uneven in the first half. We didn’t really go over that in-depth this week because it was a short week.”

Along with center Frank Ragnow, three offensive linemen were listed on the Lions’ injury report: tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.

Decker and tight end Brock Wright were not present at Wednesday’s practice. Jerry Jacobs, on the other hand, actively participated.

Lions Wednesday injury report for Week 17

Taylor Decker — Neural Padding
The Hip of Brock Wright (NP)

Knee by Jason Cabinda (LP)
Gardner-Johnson, C.J. — Lower Body (LP)
The shoulder of Derrick Barnes (FP)
Jacobs, Jerry — Hamstring (FP)
Frank Ragnow: toe, back, and knee (FP)
Shoulder Penei Sewell (FP)