Another week down in the NFL and another set of injuries occur to the Detroit Lions defense. To this point, when was the last time the Lions played a game without any sort of significant injury to one of their defensive players? It feels like since July, they’ve been hampered by injuries.
The challenges keep coming for the #Lions defense:
— DL Alim McNeill has suffered a torn ACL, ending his season.
— CB Carlton Davis has fractured his jaw and is out 6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/qHPq1gkvPN— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024
After yesterday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, it was evident that cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive tackle Alim McNeill were injured. Both players were helped off the field, and it didn’t take long for announcements that both players were out for the game.
For McNeill, he will be done for the season as he tore his ACL. It’s unfortunate as he had been playing at such a high level for much of the season. According to PFF, McNeill has earned a 78.9 overall grade (10th in DL rankings) this season. He recorded 33 hurries (4th) and 40 total pressures (11th) with 4 sacks on the year. The Lions do have DJ Reader, but replacing McNeill will be tough this late into the season.
Crossed off all the names that are hurt on the Lions defensive depth chart. This was the initial depth chart from week one. List does not include Cominsky, Lynn, Martin or Moseley as they were already on IR. Up to 19 players being hurt for this group. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/JN8VddCmfY
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) December 15, 2024
As for Carlton Davis, he suffered a broken jaw and will need surgery. He’s set to miss up to sixweeks due to the injury. If all goes right for the Lions, they could have Davis back for the NFC Championship. Prior to the injury, Davis had been playing some of his best football.
Since Week 9, Davis had an overall grade of 83.1 (among players with a minimum of 100 snaps played), per PFF. He also has a coverage grade of 86.4, which leads the league as well. The Lions will need to get creative in replacing Davis. Not just because of how productive he’s been but his backup, Khalil Dorsey, is also going to miss the rest of the season with a fractured leg that he suffered against Buffalo.
The Lions certainly control their own destiny, but the injuries continue to mount for their defense. That makes it difficult to believe they find ways to stop the opposition moving forward. Despite there being a small glimmer of hope for the Lions to win the Super Bowl, one thing is for sure: never count a Dan Campbell-led football team out.
