Tracking the Detroit Lions’ Injuries: Updates and Potential Returns

The Detroit Lions have been plagued by numerous injuries, creating challenges for fans and media alike to track player statuses. To simplify this, here’s an updated overview of injuries, potential return timelines, and key details about each player’s situation.

Understanding the Updates

Before diving into player statuses, it’s important to clarify our approach:

• Return Timelines: Dates mentioned are based on the earliest possible return under NFL injured reserve rules.
• Speculation Disclaimer: These are not definitive reports of when players will return. Updates will be made as new information emerges.

Players Eligible to Return

Terrion Arnold

• Injury: Foot
• Status: Not placed on injured reserve.
• Latest Update: On January 7, Coach Dan Campbell shared positive news, suggesting Arnold could return for the next game.

Ennis Rakestraw

• Injury: Hamstring
• Placed on IR: November 23
• 21-Day Clock Start Date: December 16
• Earliest Return: December 22 vs. Bears
• Latest Update: Campbell indicated on January 7 that Rakestraw is progressing well, with a chance of returning soon.

Kevin Zeitler

• Injury: Hamstring
• Status: Not placed on injured reserve.
• Latest Update: On January 7, Campbell expressed optimism about Zeitler’s recovery but couldn’t guarantee his participation in the next game.

Patrick O’Connor

• Injury: Calf
• Status: Not placed on injured reserve.
• Latest Update: Campbell stated on January 7 that the news on O’Connor’s injury was less positive compared to Arnold and Zeitler.

Out for the Season

Derrick Barnes

• Injury: Jaw
• Latest Update: Campbell confirmed on January 7 that Barnes would not return this season.

Carlton Davis

• Injury: Jaw
• Placed on IR: December 17
• Latest Update: Diagnosed with a broken jaw; his regular season is over, with a slim chance of returning late in the playoffs.

Malcolm Rodriguez

• Injury: Torn ACL
• Placed on IR: November 30
• Latest Update: This is a season-ending injury. Rodriguez will aim for a full recovery in 2025.

Alim McNeill

• Injury: Knee (Torn ACL)
• Placed on IR: December 17
• Latest Update: McNeill is officially out for the season.

John Cominsky

• Injury: Torn MCL
• Placed on IR: August 29
• Latest Update: Campbell noted on December 18 that a return this season is unlikely.

Mekhi Wingo

• Injury: Knee
• Placed on IR: November 30
• Latest Update: Surgery is required, and his season is officially over.

Khalil Dorsey

• Injury: Broken Leg
• Placed on IR: December 17
• Latest Update: Dorsey’s season is finished, with a recovery timeline resembling Aidan Hutchinson’s previous injury.

Other Season-Ending Injuries

• Marcus Davenport: Triceps
• David Bada: Achilles
• Michael Badgley: Hamstring
• Antoine Green: Concussion and Neck
• Connor Galvin: Torn MCL
• Nate Lynn: Shoulder
• Kyle Peko: Torn Pectoral
• Netane Muti: Shoulder

Conclusion

Tracking injuries is crucial for understanding the Lions’ roster and playoff hopes. While some players are on the mend, others face longer recovery periods. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor these developments.

This tracker will be regularly updated to ensure fans stay informed about their team’s progress.