Detroit Lions Injury Updates: Who’s Set to Return for the Playoffs?
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is keeping one eye on the NFL playoffs and one eye on his players. He hopes the team’s upcoming bye week will allow time for injury recovery to get his team together for a bye in the playoffs.
Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, guard Kevin Zeitler, and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor exited the Lions’ (15-2) game against the Minnesota Vikings (14-3) on Sunday, Jan. 5. The injury report, however, is positive for Arnold and Zeitler.
During the third quarter, Arnold left for a foot injury, which X-rays confirmed was not serious. Zeitler pulled a hamstring during the game’s final possession but is expected to recover. O’Connor left the game due to an injured calf.
“I can’t guarantee that they’re playing, but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. It’s positive news,” Campbell said in a media briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 7. “O’Connor is not as positive.”
Campbell anticipates David Montgomery will be off the injured list in time for the playoffs. The Lions running back injured his knee during Week 15 action. While initial estimates pegged his injury as season-ending, Montgomery has been making progress through physical therapy.
Besides Montgomery, rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw also has the potential to return to play. Rakestraw injured his hamstring during Week 12.
Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who fractured his tibia and fibula on Oct. 13, may also be able to return to the field.
Despite some positives and potentials for returns, linebacker Derrick Barnes and cornerback Carlton Davis III are not expected to return for postseason play. Barnes sustained a torn MCL and PCL in Week 3, and Davis has been out recovering from a fractured jaw he suffered in Week 15.
Following a light practice on Thursday, Jan. 9, Campbell will give his players and coaches a three-day weekend.
