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Lions Clear to Wear Black Uniforms in Week 18 Showdown

The Detroit Lions’ decision to wear their black alternate uniforms in Week 18’s crucial matchup against Minnesota has sparked discussion about NFL uniform regulations. Despite rumors of the Vikings’ front office contacting the league office, the Lions are well within their rights to wear the black alternates for a third time this season.

NFL rules allow teams three alternate uniform appearances per season, whether throwbacks or alternate colors. The Lions have only used their black alternates twice – Week 4 against Seattle and Week 15 against Buffalo. By choosing not to wear their traditional throwbacks on Thanksgiving, instead opting for their standard blue jerseys with blue pants, the Lions preserved their final alternate uniform slot for Week 18.

Superstition appears to be influencing uniform choices during this historic Lions season. After a Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay in silver pants, the team has strictly adhered to blue-on-blue at home and white-on-white on the road, where they finished a perfect 8-0 for the season. Some speculate this is why the Lions avoided their traditional Thanksgiving throwbacks, which feature silver pants and are associated with the “same old Lions” – an identity this team is determined to shed.

The “blueberries” combination worn on Thanksgiving doesn’t count against the alternate uniform allowance because teams can freely mix their standard uniform components. The Lions can pair either their blue or white jerseys with any of their four pants options: silver, white, blue, or striped silver. While this flexibility exists, the team’s commitment to specific combinations suggests they’re not taking any chances during their pursuit of the No. 1 seed.

Week 18’s game could determine more than just playoff seeding – it may decide the fate of the black uniforms themselves. Currently 1-1 in the alternates, a victory could cement their place in future seasons, while a loss might lead to their retirement, much like their previous black uniform era. As the Lions chase their first-ever NFC top seed, this uniform choice adds another layer of intrigue to an already pivotal matchup.

Thank you to coach Dan Thornton of Lions Talk Live on YouTube for opening the discussion. Subscribe to Lions Talk Live to stay up to date on all Lions talk, news, speculation, inside-scoops, and more.

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