ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions faced some injury challenges during their recent game against Minnesota, with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, guard Kevin Zeitler, and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor all leaving the field due to injuries. Head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic that the team’s upcoming bye in the NFL playoffs may benefit these players as they recover.
On Tuesday, Campbell updated the media regarding the players’ condition, sharing that the news concerning Arnold and Zeitler was encouraging. “While I can’t assure their availability, it’s significantly better than the initial assessments made during the game. This is positive progress,” he remarked. However, he mentioned that O’Connor’s situation seemed less favorable.
Arnold sustained a foot injury and left the game in the third quarter; subsequent X-rays were clear. Despite this, he was seen wearing a walking boot afterward. Zeitler faced a hamstring injury during the final possession of the game. In the meantime, O’Connor, who had stepped up during Alim McNeill’s absence, injured his calf.
In terms of other player injuries, Campbell expressed confidence in running back David Montgomery’s return for the playoffs after he sustained a knee injury in Week 15. Initially, the prognosis was not promising, but Montgomery has shown notable improvement through rehabilitation efforts. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, who has been sidelined since Week 12 due to a hamstring injury, is also showing signs of recovery, with Campbell stating, “He’s trending the right way.”
Nonetheless, not all injury updates were positive for the Lions. Linebacker Derrick Barnes is not expected to return for postseason play following his significant injuries—a torn MCL and PCL suffered in Week 3. Likewise, cornerback Carlton Davis III, who fractured his jaw in Week 15, is not anticipated to be back on the field. “They’re progressing well, but I’m not counting on their return,” Campbell added.
In a somewhat unclear situation, the potential for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson’s return remains open. Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula during a game against Dallas on October 13. Although he was reported on the sidelines for Sunday night’s victory over Minnesota, Campbell noted, “He has a season-ending injury, but if anyone could come back from this, it’s Aidan.” Hutchinson, himself, has expressed intentions on social media to return for the Super Bowl on February 9.
As the team prepares for the postseason, they will conduct a light practice on Thursday, after which Campbell has granted the players and coaching staff a long three-day weekend to recharge.
