As the saying goes, you can rest when you're dead. The Lions are alive and well with three games remaining in the season.
So no, Dan Campbell will not be putting anybody in bubblewrap ahead of the playoffs. Even if the Lions' seeding is secured, Campbell wants his team staying sharp.
Asked Monday if he has a philosophy on resting players to prepare for the postseason, Campbell said, "Yeah, when we’re done with the season, they’re going to rest. I promise you that. They’re going to get plenty of time off.”
The Lions are 10-4 and can clinch the NFC North for the first time ever with a win Sunday in Minnesota. And they still have plenty to play for beyond that. They're currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC, but could climb to No. 2 if they win out. That would assure them of at least two home playoff games if they win on wild card weekend.
“Honestly, man, we came into this saying we’ve got to win this division. That’s the goal and that’s where it is," Campbell said. "We talked about that this morning as a team. That was the focus when we entered it and that is still the focus, man."
The Lions are pretty healthy for this point in the season, and getting healthier. Defensive back C.J. Gardner Johnson is returning to practice this week three months after undergoing surgery on a torn pec. So is fullback Jason Cabinda, who's been sidelined since September with a knee injury.
Gardner-Johnson, in particular, could give the Lions a big boost entering the playoffs. Ditto pass rusher James Houston, who could return to practice later this month.
Campbell also said Monday that receiver Jameson Williams and linebacker Derrick Barnes, both of whom were nicked up in last week's win over the Broncos, should be fine: "A little beat up, but I think we’re going to be OK."
The Lions' biggest absence at the moment is Alim McNeill, who landed on the IR two weeks ago with a knee injury. The earliest the defensive tackle could return is the season finale against the Vikings.
Otherwise, the Lions are in good shape as the season winds to a close. And to stay in shape, it sounds like Campbell will keep his best players on the field.