Defensive injuries were a major issue for the Lions this season. Unfortunately, that bad luck continued in the playoff game vs the Commanders.
An early injury to Amik Robertson hurt a secondary that was already missing Carlton Davis. Later on, the loss of Ifeatu Melifonwu forced the Lions deep into the LB depth chart possibly directly contributing to a self-immolating 12-men-on-the-field penalty.
Fortunately, none of these injuries should impact next season.
Here are the injuries I saw during the game along with suspected diagnoses:
Jared Goff – concussion evaluation, 2q 5:19
Goff took a hard blow to his facemask during the pick-6. The helmet shake appeared to absorb much of the force, and his head fortunately did not whiplash into the ground.
There were no obvious signs of concussion on video such as loss of consciousness, ataxia, or dazed appearance. He presumably passed the concussion check on the sideline and returned to the game after missing a few plays.
Jared Goff concussion eval video
-Facemask/helmet appears to absorb most of the contact. Head does not bounce off ground.
-No obvious concussion signs on video (LOC, ataxia, dazed). Returned to game after a few plays. pic.twitter.com/2mocnwgZfm— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 19, 2025
Penei Sewell – left knee, 2q 7:44
Sewell gets bent over on a flexed knee. He finished the game wearing a left knee brace. Hopefully, this is just a mild patella or quad tendon strain, and there is no joint involvement like cartilage damage.
Assume he’ll get an MRI and hope for no surprises.
Penei Sewell L knee injury video
-Credit @NFLonFox for picking up on this quickly
-Gets bent over on flexed knee. Played rest of game with a left knee brace.
-Hope just mild patella/quad tendon strain and no joint cartilage damage. pic.twitter.com/j78VhKcRaR— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 19, 2025
Amik Robertson – left humerus fracture, 1q 13:10
A direct blow to the left upper arm resulted in a visible deformity. He was sent to the hospital and has already had surgery for the humerus fracture. The mechanism here was very similar to Alex Anzalone’s fractured forearm where the arm took a direct blow from a teammate and was trapped.
Amik Robertson L elbow/arm injury video
-Deformity of L upper arm area. Concern for humerus fracture. pic.twitter.com/QvlwlzlLxE— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 19, 2025
Hopefully, this is an isolated mid-shaft bone fracture that does not involve the elbow or shoulder joint. If there is joint damage, that would prolong recovery.
An early report by Tom Pelissero states that he likely will be ready for OTA’s which hopefully implies no complications such as neurovascular damage or joint damage. He is signed with the Lions through next season.
#Lions CB Amik Robertson underwent surgery for the broken humerus he suffered Saturday night and all went well, per source.
Robertson, who was having his best season, is expected to be ready for offseason workouts. pic.twitter.com/frARn6kAXb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2025
Ifeatu Melifonwu – right hamstring strain, 3q 6:38
Melifonwu pulled up and reached briefly for the hamstring. He stayed in for another play before leaving the game for good.
He should be ready for OTA’s but likely not with the Lions as he is an unrestricted free agent.
Ifeatu Melifonwu right hamstring injury video
-Didn’t return. Led to confusion later in game and 12 men on the field penalty. pic.twitter.com/HJ9AeKeypA— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) January 19, 2025
Brian Branch – calf cramps, 3q 5:59 & 1:53
Branch missed a play as he was getting his calf leggings cut off. He appeared to be getting his right calf stretched by a trainer later in the quarter. Likely this was just simple cramps as he finished the game looking fine.
Of note, there have been visible signs at many points during the second half of the year that there may be a chronic/recurrent right leg injury. He was officially listed with a calf injury after week 15.
Jack Campbell – hit to head, 4q 8:18
Campbell took a hard hit to the right side of his head during a tackle. He was down very briefly and appeared to bounce up quickly. He stayed in the game and seemed to be fine. A stinger or concussion are possible. Hope for no delayed concussion symptoms.
