The Detroit Lions received both relief and concern on the injury front following Sunday’s 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, two key defensive players are dealing with ailments, though one update is far more encouraging than the other.
Detroit Lions practice squad 2025 Detroit Lions 53-man roster Detroit Lions Emergency Quarterback Detroit Lions Depth Chart Detroit Lions Week 1 uniform combo Detroit Lions Inactives List Detroit Lions injury updates
Terrion Arnold’s Groin Injury Not Considered Serious
Cornerback Terrion Arnold, who left Sunday’s game with a groin injury, reportedly avoided a major setback. Fowler noted that Arnold’s injury is “not considered serious”, easing fears that the promising second-year corner could miss significant time.
Arnold himself admitted after the game that he first felt discomfort during Detroit’s second defensive series but tried to play through it. He gave up a pair of big completions, including a 48-yard bomb to Romeo Doubs and a 17-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed, before the medical staff pulled him at halftime.
Even so, Arnold stayed accountable, telling reporters:
“If I’m out there, I’m out there, and I’m going to own it.”
The Lions will likely monitor him closely this week, but early signs suggest he may avoid a lengthy absence.
Daniel Thomas Suffers Broken Hand
On the other hand, the situation with safety Daniel Thomas is more complicated. Fowler reported that Thomas suffered a broken bone in his hand, but he still plans to get a cast and attempt to play through the injury.
The news comes after Thomas exited Sunday’s game in the first quarter, leaving Detroit thin in the secondary against Jordan Love and the Packers. Playing through a broken hand is no small feat, but Thomas’ toughness could give the Lions some stability if he’s able to suit up in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
What It Means for Detroit’s Defense
Detroit’s secondary was already under the microscope after giving up multiple explosive plays in Green Bay. Losing Arnold for any stretch of time would test their depth, with Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin likely stepping into larger roles.
Meanwhile, Thomas’ decision to play through his hand injury speaks to the grit head coach Dan Campbell often praises. But it also raises questions about effectiveness and whether the Lions may need to lean more on their players who are healthy.
The Bottom Line
The Lions avoided the worst-case scenario with Terrion Arnold, but Daniel Thomas’ broken hand adds another wrinkle to a defense already struggling to find its footing. With a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Bears on deck, Campbell’s group needs to regroup quickly, and hope their battered secondary can hold up.