The Lions Have Officially Placed 3 Players On Injured Reserve
Yesterday at 05:04 PM
The Detroit Lions got even more decimated by injuries.
Aidan Hutchinson declared his intentions to return to the Super Bowl, but the Lions must navigate the NFC without several more key stars. The Lions have 16 defensive players on the injured reserve after officially adding three more on Tuesday.
Detroit placed cornerback Carlton Davis III, cornerback Khalil Dorsey, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill on its reserve/injured list. The Lions signed linebacker Anthony Pittman to their active roster from the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad.
All three players got hurt during Sunday's 45-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Davis exited the Week 15 matchup during the second quarter with a jaw injury. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 27-year-old will require surgery.
After six seasons and a Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Davis recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 13 starts for the Lions. He allowed a 55.3 completion percentage and 77.0 quarterback rating in coverage, per Pro Football Reference.
Dorsey may have seen more reps in Davis' absence if he didn't also get injured. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the kick returner suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
McNeill also won't return for a potential playoff run after tearing his ACL on Sunday. The defensive tackle tallied 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble while anchoring a defensive line that limited opponents to 101.3 rushing yards per game.
The NFC's top-ranked offense also faces a significant loss. Running back David Montgomery will undergo season-ending knee surgery after spraining his MCL.
"We acknowledge the fact that we've lost players. We've lost really good players, but nobody cares," Campbell said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "Nobody cares and nobody's going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your record. So, what it means is some guys are going to have an unbelievable opportunity."
Detroit controlled the NFC's top seed amid an 11-game winning streak, but the short-handed Lions could still cede control of the NFC North. They're tied with the Minnesota Vikings at 12-2, and the two squads will meet in Week 18.
They'll try to avoid a trap game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday before staying on the road to play the San Francisco 49ers.
Related: Lions Star Aidan Hutchinson Makes Super Bowl 59 Promise
