The Lions will be without center Dominic Raiola in Week 17 as he serves a one-game suspension for stomping on Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson.
Raiola, a 14-year veteran out of Nebraska, was was caught jumping over and stomping down on Ferguson's leg at the conclusion of a play in the third quarter during the Lions’ 20-14 win over the Bears. Raiola denied doing it on purpose, but his history of rules violations influenced the NFL enough to suspend him for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
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According to a league email, Raiola will not be permitted to attend team meetings and functions, attend or watch practices, appear at the club’s facilities for any reason, attend press conferences, appear at the team’s Dec. 28 game, or have contact with any club personnel except to arrange off-site medical treatment or rehabilitation.
Bears receiver Brandon Marshall told the Chicago Tribune that Raiola "should be banned from the NFL" because "he's a dirty player and he's a worse human being."
Raiola has violated safety-related playing rules six times since 2010 and was fined $10,000 last month after he punched Patriots defensive lineman Zach Moore in the back of the head. Raiola attempted a cut block on Moore just three plays later and admitted it was retaliation for the Patriots stretching their lead to 34-9 late in the game instead of kneeling on the ball. The league didn’t discipline Raiola for that play.
Travis Swanson will likely play in Raiola’s place in a game that will decide the champion of the NFC North.