ALLEN PARK -- Every game he’s a part of feels like a big one for Thomas Harper, regardless of the circumstances or the day of the week it falls on. But it’s not lost upon the Detroit Lions safety how pivotal Monday’s prime-time matchup at Ford Field is.

The Lions will host the NFC-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the final game before their bye week, a matchup that may certainly affect playoff seeding later in the season.

With starting safeties Brian Branch (suspension) and Kerby Joseph (knee) sidelined, Harper is one of several Lions defenders who will see their snap count increase. When asked if the coaching staff has anything different to say to him as he prepares for what could be his first start in Detroit, Harper shared it’s one he’s already heard before.

“Same as every week -- nex

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