The Detroit Lions were fearful Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis suffered long-term injuries, and the latest update suggests those worst fears were confirmed.
On Sunday night, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell offered gloomy injury updates on defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis, noting that he didn’t feel good about their chances of playing for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, it appears his gut feelings were confirmed on Monday.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McNeill suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season. Per Ian Rapoport, Davis has a fractured jaw and is out six weeks—which likely means he could only return for an NFC Championship game or Super Bowl. Per Schefter, Davis needs surgery for the fracture.
It’s yet another tough blow to the Lions defense, which is already missing the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Kyle Peko, Alex Anzalone, and John Cominsky among others.
At defensive tackle, the Lions will likely have to rely on Levi Onwuzurike much more down the stretch, and have guys like Myles Adams, Pat O’Connor, and Jonah Williams to step up as reserves.
At cornerback, the Lions have several options to replace Davis. Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor are the most likely options right away. Detroit could also choose to move Amik Robertson from the nickel to the outside and slide Moseley in at nickel. Also, don’t forget that rookie Ennis Rakestraw is available to return from injured reserve this week.
Regardless, the Lions are going to have to prepare for their deep playoff run without two more of their best defensive players for the foreseeable future.
