Dan Campbell address and updates all the Lions current injuries.
The Detroit Lions have a week off to heal up and rest. That could be key for a team that is as injured as the Lions are, and it does appear the team will benefit. On Tuesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell offered several injury updates on the team.
Here’s a recap of each of them.
David Montgomery back for playoffs
Campbell provided several injury updates on Tuesday afternoon, most notably that the team expects to have running back David Montgomery back for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
“I do,” Campbell said.
Montgomery had reportedly torn his MCL against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. Initial reports suggested he needed surgery, but after seeking multiple opinions, the Lions running back went the rehab route instead. According to the NBC broadcast of the Lions/Vikings game, Montgomery did a full workout this past weekend and felt good coming out of it.
So it appears the Lions will have their Sonic and Knuckles duo when they take the field next.
Good news for Terrion Arnold, Kevin Zeitler
Earlier on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport reported that Terrion Arnold’s injury was a foot contusion and he is considered day-to-day. Campbell confirmed that the Lions got better injury news than expected with Arnold and right guard Kevin Zeitler, who left Sunday’s game against the Vikings late with a hamstring injury.
“We got better news on Zeitler and Arnold,” Campbell said. “I can’t guarantee that they’re playing, but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. So, it’s positive news.
Kindle Vildor finished out the game for Arnold, while Christian Mahogany stepped in for a handful of snaps at the end of the game at right guard. Both players are capable of starting for the team should Arnold and Zeitler still be sidelined by the time the Lions face off against their Divisional Round opponent.
Pat O’Connor got bad news
Lions defensive tackle Pat O’Connor suffered a calf injury against the Vikings that held him out of the rest of the game. While the Lions got good news on Arnold and Zeitler, Campbell said the news wasn’t as good for O’Connor.
“O’Connor is not as positive. That’s the best way to say that,” Campbell said.
That’s another tough break for Detroit’s banged-up defensive line. O’Connor had assumed a pretty significant role ever since Detroit lost Alim McNeill for the season. Now they may have to rely more on Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, and possibly rookie Brodric Martin—who has been a healthy scratch nearly all season—moving forward.
Carlton Davis, Derrick Barnes not likely coming back
There was some recent optimism based on media conversations directly with Barnes that he may return late after suffering a Week 3 injury, but Campbell essentially shut that down—along with any possible hope that Carlon Davis would return from the broken jaw he suffered against the Bills.
“They’re doing great, (but) I don’t see them coming back at all. Those players won’t. I don’t see them coming back at all.”
Aidan Hutchinson’s return still seems like a long shot
While Hutchinson continues to insist in his infrequent media appearances that he may return for the Super Bowl, Campbell continues to express how unlikely it is.
“Look, I’m going to say it again: he has a season-ending injury,” Campbell said. “But if any can come back from this, it would be Aidan.”
Ennis Rakestraw could be back soon
With Detroit’s shorthanded cornerback room following Arnold’s injury, Campbell ended the press conference with some positive news about fellow rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, who has been on injured reserve since Week 12, after suffering an injury against the Colts in Week 11.
“I do think there’s a chance we get Rake back,” Campbell said. “He’s trending the right way, too.”
