Live Update: Lions Face Injury Crisis, Eye Key CB Addition Ahead of Playoffs
In what has been one of the Detroit Lions’ most impressive regular seasons, alarm bells are ringing for fans and analysts alike. The team’s Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a 48-42 nail-biter, wasn’t just a setback on the scoreboard—it spotlighted a worsening injury crisis that could derail their Super Bowl hopes.
The list of casualties grew on Sunday as David Montgomery, Alim McNeill, and Khalil Dorsey all suffered season-ending injuries. Adding to the misery, Carlton Davis III sustained a jaw injury, ruling him out indefinitely.
Even before this game, the Lions had been battling one of the worst injury tallies in the league. The defensive unit, in particular, has been hit hard, losing six starters since Week 1, including their star player, Aidan Hutchinson.
Secondary in Shambles
One of the Lions’ most pressing concerns is their depleted secondary. In addition to losing Dorsey and Davis, they’ve been without Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Ifeatu Melifonwu, who are both on injured reserve. While Melifonwu’s practice window may open this week, his availability for Week 16 against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain.
The Lions now face a glaring need to bolster their cornerback rotation. Enter a potential solution: Ambry Thomas, a former Michigan Wolverine and proven postseason performer.
A Golden Opportunity: Ambry Thomas
According to Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers waived Thomas on Tuesday, presenting the Lions with a chance to reinforce their injury-ravaged defense.
Thomas, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a reliable presence for the 49ers, appearing in 42 games and starting in 11, including four playoff games. Though sidelined this season with a forearm injury, reports suggest Thomas is healthy and ready to return to action.
Potential Fixes
The Lions will likely rely on Terrion Arnold and Kindle Vildor as starting outside corners against the Bears. Other adjustments may see Amik Robertson moving outside or Brian Branch shifting from safety to cornerback. Emmanuel Moseley is also expected to take on an expanded role.
However, these stopgap measures are far from ideal for a team with championship aspirations. Adding Thomas would not only stabilize the secondary but also provide postseason experience and a much-needed morale boost.
What’s Next?
The Lions will head to Soldier Field to face rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears on Sunday. With playoffs on the horizon, securing defensive depth has never been more critical. If the Lions move quickly, Ambry Thomas could be the missing piece that helps them weather this injury storm and reclaim their status as Super Bowl favorites.
Stay tuned for updates as Detroit’s playoff push continues.
