Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Who's playing and who's missing for season opener

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Say hello to the first day of the NFL season and, for the first time ever, the Detroit Lions will take center stage as Dan Campbell takes his brand of Motor City mayhem to Kansas City to battle the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The Lions come into the season favored to not only make the playoffs for the first time since 2016 but to win the NFC North for the first time ever (they last won a division in 1993 when the Lions played in the NFC Central). The Chiefs are going to be a tough opening challenge as they're celebrating their second Super Bowl in four years – and for the first time, Kansas City fans will be at Arrowhead to be part of the party. In 2020, Chiefs players celebrated on the field in front of empty seats due to Covid.

Lions vs. Chiefs: Four things to know before season-opener

Neither team is starting the season 100% healthy with the Chiefs having 8 players listed while the Lions have 4.

Chiefs vs. Lions Game Info

When: Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 8:20 PM ET
Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
TV Info: NBC
Spread Favorite: Chiefs (-4.5)

Lions fired up as season opener approaches

Jennifer Hammond reports from Allen Park on Tuesday as the Lions discussed their excitement over opening the season on national television on Thursday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs.

Lions Injuries

As it stands, the Lions are looking to be without just one player Thursday night.

Emmanuel Moseley | CB (Out)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Did Not Participate In Practice
2022 Defensive Performance: 0.0 Sacks | 1.0 Tackles for Loss | 22 Tackles | 1 Interception | 5 Passes Defended

Frank Ragnow | C (Unknown)

Injury: Toe
Practice Status: Full Participation In Practice
2022 Season Stats: 16 Games Played

Isaiah Buggs | DL (Unknown)

Injury: Illness
Practice Status: Full Participation In Practice
2022 Defensive Performance: 1.0 Sack | 0.0 Tackles for Loss | 46 Tackles | 0 Interceptions | 2 Passes Defended

Ifeatu Melifonwu | S (Unknown)

Injury: Hamstring
Practice Status: Full Participation In Practice
2022 Defensive Performance: 0.5 Sacks | 1.0 Tackles for Loss | 13 Tackles | 0 Interceptions | 2 Passes Defended

Four Lions rookies to watch this year as expectations increase in Detroit

Lions ready to open most anticipated season in years in Kansas City

The Detroit Lions have one of the brightest spotlights in the NFL -- and they're taking center stage for the season opener in Kansas City against the Super Bowl champions.

Chiefs Injuries

The big injury news for the Chiefs this week was tight end Travis Kelce who hyperextended his knee in practice on Tuesday. But the Chiefs are also going to be missing a massive part of their defensive line in Chris Jones – who sat out all of training camp as he seeks a new contract. He's not expected to arrive at the team facility on Thursday or play in the game.

Travis Kelce | TE (Questionable)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Did Not Participate In Practice
2022 Receiving: 152 Targets | 110 Receptions | 1,338 Yards | 12 Touchdowns

Kadarius Toney | WR (Unknown)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Limited Participation In Practice
2022 Receiving: 20 Targets | 16 Receptions | 171 Yards | 2 Touchdowns

Richie James Jr. | WR (Unknown)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Limited Participation In Practice
2022 Receiving: 70 Targets | 57 Receptions | 569 Yards | 4 Touchdowns

L'Jarius Sneed | CB (Unknown)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Limited Participation In Practice
2022 Defensive Performance: 3.5 Sacks | 5.0 Tackles for Loss | 108 Tackles | 3 Interceptions | 11 Passes Defended

Tershawn Wharton | DT (Unknown)

Injury: Knee
Practice Status: Limited Participation In Practice]
2022 Defensive Performance: 1.0 Sack | 1.0 Tackles for Loss | 8 Tackles | 0 Interceptions | 0 Passes Defended