The Detroit Lions’ injury bug has returned to rear its ugly head. In all likelihood, it never left. The Lions are without both starting cornerbacks, D.J Reed and Terrion Arnold. When asked if Arnold would be out for the season, Dan Campbell replied, “I don’t know that, but it’ll be a while. It’s going to be a while.” But as injuries mount, the team’s focus is on getting that next win.
Fortunately, on Tuesday, the Lions received unexpected good news that Arnold should be back in the lineup within weeks. Reed’s Week 4 hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve. But as soon as he clears IR, he should be able to return. Taylor Decker was sidelined for the Bengals game as a precaution. However, his status for the Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday night is unknown.
Despite Injuries, The Detroit Lions’ Train Keeps Rolling
In addition, injuries to reserve cornerback Khalil Dorsey (wrist) and WR / return specialist Kalif Raymond (neck) have put the dreaded injury concerns front and center. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing litany of injuries, the Lions train keeps rolling.
When a player goes down, it’s time for the next man up. Whoever is next in line on the roster takes over. Campbell stated bluntly, “I’ve mentioned this before, this train doesn’t stop for anybody. Doesn’t matter who it is or what it is, we’ve got to go. Nobody cares; nobody’s going to feel sorry for you. You’re putting your best 22 out there, offense, defense – and special teams, by the way – and you’ve got to find a way to win the game. And you use all three phases to do it, and we will use all three phases to do it.”
The team is assembling a roster that will allow them to win the next game. As injuries occur, it’s an opportunity for the reserve players to step up. After all, this is what they’ve dreamed of, and now, it’s their chance to shine.
Stepping Up At Cornerback
The cornerback position was already weakened by the preseason loss of second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw. Now, with both Reed and Arnold out of the lineup, the cornerback position is alarmingly thin. Veterans Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin take over the starting assignments. Fresh off his Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, DB Avonte Maddox played cornerback in college and could provide added depth as needed.
Robertson’s been terrific this season with 13 tackles (12 solo), two pass defenses, and one interception. With the versatility to play both cornerback and nickel, Robertson will be instrumental in defending the pass against the always-dangerous Patrick Mahomes.
NFL veteran Ya-Sin can also step up and deliver when given the opportunity. With injuries mounting, Ya-Sin saw an increased snap count against the Cincinnati Bengals and posted two pass defenses and three tackles. Campbell was very complimentary when asked about Ya-Sin’s contribution. “I thought he did a good job yesterday. He did exactly what we asked him to do. The plan was good, and he executed well in that plan. And look, here’s what you love about Rock: he plays fearless, he’s not afraid, he doesn’t care who he’s going against. He’s aggressive, he challenges the release point, he challenges the catch point. He’ll run up, he’ll tackle, he’ll hit, and that’s all you can ask for. That’s all we’re looking for here.”
Strengthening the Cornerback Position
Ahead of Reed’s injury in the Cleveland game, Brad Holmes signed veteran NFL cornerback Tre Flowers to Detroit’s practice squad. The Lions are Flowers’ seventh team after being drafted in 2018 by the Seattle Seahawks. In 2019, he started 15 games and posted 82 tackles (59 solo) with 2.0 sacks, eight PDFs, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. When Ya-Sin left the game Sunday in the fourth quarter with an injury, Flowers stepped in to replace him.
Holmes also signed former UFL cornerback Nick Whiteside to the Lions’ practice squad. This is actually Whiteside’s second NFL signing after making the Washington Commanders practice squad in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. Whiteside had an impressive preseason tryout with the Lions, recording 11 tackles and two PBRs. But a rough preseason finale against Houston where he was heavily targeted and allowed seven receptions on eight targets for 94 yards, left lingering doubts about his readiness. During final cutdowns, Whiteside failed to make the 53-man roster. Now that he’s back with the team, the Auburn Hills, MI native is grateful for another opportunity and eager to make up for his previous lapse.
Offensive Line Concerns
In Decker’s absence, second-year OL Giovanni Manu was given the starting assignment last week. However, the 6’7″ 350 lb. Manu visibly struggled, earning a 43.5 coverage grade. In the game against Cincinnati, Jared Goff was sacked four times. Two of those sacks were charged to Manu. One of those sacks resulted in a fumble. In fairness to Manu, it was his first start and he was up against All-Pro Trey Hendrickson.
But if he’s tapped to fill in again for Decker, Manu must improve. Otherwise, practice squad players Dan Skipper, Michael Niese, or recently acquired former Bengal Devin Cochran could be options.
Coverage For Special Teams Injuries
One week after his spectacular 65-yard punt return touchdown against the Cleveland Browns, Raymond escaped serious injury when he collided with the Bengals’ RB Samaje Perine. Although he was initially listed as questionable to return, Raymond was later ruled out with a neck injury. Rookie Dominic Lovett took over punt return duties in Raymond’s absence. During the preseason, Lovett’s most memorable play was against the Miami Dolphins. His heads-up recovery of a muffed punt return led to a 33-yard field goal by Jake Bates.
Taking over Raymond’s wide receiver slot, rookie Isaac TeSlaa stepped up in a big way. Securing his third reception of the season, TeSlaa scored with a 12-yard touchdown pass. Continuing to impress the coaching staff with his athleticism and his football IQ, TeSlaa is seeing increased opportunities. Campbell complimented his performance on Sunday, “Once (Lions WR Kalif Raymond) Leaf went down, we thought he stepped up and really handled his business well. I mean he helped us, so that’s impressive for a young guy to mentally know what his job description is for those plays.”
Jacob Saylors is another young player who is continuing to play an important role on special teams in the wake of injuries to Sione Vaki and Dorsey. Saylors has established a solid role as the Lions’ kickoff return specialist. He has 310 yards on 12 returns and is averaging almost 26 yards per return.
One thing the Lions learned from last year’s injury-riddled season is that injuries are going to occur. When a player goes down, the team must have a plan in place to fill that roster spot. The opportunities are there. The only question is who will step up and take charge when the opportunity arises.
Main Image: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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