As if the NFL world wasn't already expecting serious fireworks when the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions face off this weekend in one of two NFC Wild Card games, a fresh bit of news may mean that the offensive output for the matchup may be even more astounding than previously assumed.
For the Lions, it was reported today that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended by the league for one game and will therefore miss the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Suh's suspension is for his decision to step on the leg of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their game Sunday.
"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks said in a letter to Suh, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com. "This illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided.
"You unnecessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself."
The loss of Suh cannot be overstated for the Lions - the Cowboys have the second ranked rushing offense in the league.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys could be without defensive tackle Henry Melton not just for this weekend's game, but for the remainder of the playoffs as well.
Melton suffered a left knee injury during the team's victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, which will require an MRI and may sideline him for the foreseeable future.
"Sources: #Cowboys DT Henry Melton sustained a leg injury that could knock him out for the playoffs. MRI today, but it's considered serious," NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport tweeted.
Melton has 15 tackles and five sacks this season for a Cowboys defense that started hot but has cooled considerably in recent weeks. They did, however, finish the regular season ranked eighth against the run - an area of expertise for Melton.
