Detroit ― The Lions' injury report, especially on defense, is getting long. Heck, it might as well include Za'Darius Smith's dog, Riley, who had surgery for kidney stones two days ago. Smith was itching to get home to Riley and his three children for a Thanksgiving feast and a couple movies,

The defense was paced by Josh Paschal, who only played seven snaps before leaving with an injury, and Za'Darius Smith. The trio of Smith, Al-Quadin Muhammad and DJ Reader combined for 4.5 sacks and 18 total pressures. In total, Smith had the highest PFF grade among any defender with 10 or more snaps with a 77.5 mark.

Detroit Lions veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith came up with the biggest play of his Lions tenure during the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears.

New Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith played more than 75% of snaps in his debut and recorded a half-sack in blowout win over Jaguars.

Detroit Lions Za'Darius Smith recaps his performance against Chicago Bears against Chicago Bears. Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown intercepts the New York Giants pass and returns it 23 yards for a defensive touchdown.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams explained what it took to get the three-time Pro Bowler up to speed.

The coach noted that Smith, 32, can do a lot of different things and just adds another element to Detroit’s defense.

Nov 17, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) waves at fans as he exits the field after 52-6 win over Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images / Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

His arrival has been a boon to a defense that ranks second in the league in scoring but is plunging into the depth chart, especially up front.