Lions rule 2 out, 11 remain questionable for critical matchup with Vikings

The Detroit Lions have ruled out defensive back Avonte Maddox and O-lineman Giovanni Manu for the penultimate game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. Week 17 is crucial for the Lions to keep their playoff hopes alive and they’ll have to deal with another injury in the secondary as Maddox (back) did not practice this week and was ruled out on Wednesday. He’s taken on a much larger role as a versatile defensive back due to ailments across the secondary. Manu — a backup tackle — was limited in practices throughout the week with a knee injury. The Lions...