If there’s one thing the Detroit Lions don’t need at this point in the season, it’s injuries. The Lions are in a great mood after doubling up the Washington Commanders, 44-22, on Sunday afternoon and could be back in first place in the NFC North if the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.
Things seem to be going in Detroit’s direction as they enter the second half of the season, but the same could not be said for second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold.
Arnold left Sunday’s win in the first half and did not return. On Monday, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Arnold has been placed in concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. It’s another obstacle in what’s become a trying season for Arnold and a Lions secondary that is trying to hold together for the stretch run.
Arnold Injury Adds to Lions’ Secondary Woes Ahead of Eagles Showdown
The Lions entered Sunday’s game shorthanded in the secondary, as Kerby Joseph missed his second straight game with a knee injury. DJ Reed has been out since Week 4 with a hamstring injury, and Arnold has been playing most of this season with a shoulder injury.
Arnold’s injury is likely contributing to a rough performance in his second season as a pro. According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold has allowed 21 catches for 322 yards and a touchdown on 37 targets this season with just one interception and four pass breakups. While the 2024 first-round pick has dropped his passer rating when targeted from 100.4 in his rookie season to 83.4 this season, he hasn’t made the leap that many were expecting.
Some of Arnold’s struggles are understandable, though, as he is working his way through a shoulder injury that has left him at less than 100% healthy. Even Campbell believed Arnold would be out “for a long time” due to the injury last month, but Arnold returned to play in each of the past two games before suffering a concussion on Sunday.
With his second documented concussion since coming into the league, Arnold’s status for next week’s game against the Eagles may be in doubt. If he is unable to play, it would leave Detroit in an unfortunate situation going into a battle between two of the NFC’s elite teams. The answer to that question will be provided in due time by the Lions' medical staff. In the meantime, however, fans will be left waiting with the hope that Arnold can clear protocol sooner rather than later.
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