How two benched, veteran leaders are still contributing to Lions' playoff run

Allen Park — One of the things that has fueled the Detroit Lions' success this season has been the remarkable roster depth built up by general manager Brad Holmes. When the team has had an injury, more often than not, they've had a competent replacement ready to step in and shoulder an increased workload.

But with depth come difficult decisions. When the Lions are healthy, they must decide on a handful of healthy players to make inactive on game days. Often that's developmental, younger talent such as cornerback Steven Gilmore, quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive tackle Brodric Martin. But seemingly weekly, the team is scratching a veteran or two who have been highly productive in the past.

Since the playoffs have begun, the team has made two veteran defenders, both with experience serving as a team captain, inactive for the matchups against the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive end Charles Harris, a current captain who appeared in 13 regular-season games, has struggled to recapture the production he had in 2021, when he led the team with 7.5 sacks. And safety Tracy Walker, who fought back to return from last season's Achilles injury, appeared in all 17 regular-season contests, including six starts.

That's not easy for them, or the coaching staff, but coach Dan Campbell praised the attitude and continued behind-the-scenes contributions from the veteran players.

"Yeah, both of those guys are consummate pros," Campbell said. "I mean they go about their business and they give us everything they've got every week. I can think of two (pass) rushes we got last week from Charles against (starting left tackle Taylor) Decker that were outstanding. You talk about preparing the guy across from you for what you're getting ready to face and doing what (you) can. It's, 'All right, this is where I've gotta help the team.'

"Not only that, but just to mention what they do for the young guys around them to try and help them prepare," Campbell said. "They don't sulk. It doesn't mean they like it, but they handle it like pros, and they're very much a part of all this. They help us win."

Harris, who missed much of last season due to an injury, returned to Detroit in 2023 on a reduced contract. He'll be a free agent at season's end. Walker, meanwhile, has one year remaining on the three-year deal he signed ahead of the 2022 season, but with a $12.8 million cap hit in 2024, meaning he's likely to remain with the team without agreeing to a steep pay cut.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

NFC Championship

Lions at 49ers

▶ Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

▶ TV/radio: FOX/97.1

▶ Records: Detroit (12-5), San Francisco (12-5)

▶ Line: 49ers by 7

AFC Championship

Chiefs at Ravens

▶ Kickoff: 3 p.m., Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

▶ TV/radio: CBS

▶ Records: Kansas City (11-6), Baltimore (13-4)

▶ Line: Ravens by 3 1/2