After allowing 48 points to the Buffalo Bills in their second loss of the season, the Detroit Lions’ defense may be in for more bad news.
The Lions sustained a series of potentially devastating injuries in Sunday’s 48-42 loss, with head coach Dan Campbell indicating after the game that a trio of crucial players could be out for the remainder of the season.
The news comes amid a slew of other defensive injuries for the Lions, with Sunday’s loss making the next three games of the season even more crucial.
As reported by Tim Twentyman after the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed serious concerns about two players who were injured during the matchup.
“Dan Campbell said he doesn’t feel good about the injuries to Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis III. He suspects they could be season-ending,” Twentyman shared on X.
McNeill sustained a knee injury in Sunday’s loss and was ruled out, while Davis exited early in the second half due to a jaw injury. Additionally, cornerback Khalil Dorsey left the game after a suspected leg fracture, potentially leaving the Lions without three key defensive players.
Campbell indicated the team would have more clarity following medical evaluations on Monday but struck a somber tone when addressing reporters.
“Normally, if I’m saying I don’t feel good, it’s not good for the rest of the year,” Campbell said, per ESPN. “So, I don’t feel good about it.”
The situation with Dorsey appeared more definitive. The cornerback collided with teammate Ezekiel Turner in the second quarter, likely fracturing his leg. Surrounded by teammates on the field, he was eventually carted off to the locker room.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for the Lions this season. Leading edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a severe leg fracture earlier in a win against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions currently have 13 defensive players on injured reserve, though Campbell noted Hutchinson could return if the team reaches the Super Bowl.
Loss Deals Blow to Playoff Standing
The Lions had a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC’s top overall seed into Sunday’s game, but the clubs finished the day tied after the Lions lost to the Bills and the Eagles beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Lions lost after scoring 42 points in the NFL’s highest-scoring game of the season. Campbell accepted criticism after the game, claiming that his squad was simply not talented enough to compete with the AFC contender.
“Now we know where we stand against one of the AFC’s best teams,” Campbell told ESPN. “Today, that wasn’t good enough.”
The setback also prevented the Lions from regaining ground in the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings have won six straight games to go to 11-2, and a win over the Chicago Bears on Monday night may tie them with the Lions.
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