Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided a post-game injury update following the team’s hard-fought 20-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Defensive standouts Alim McNeill and Derrick Barnes both exited the game with injuries and were eventually ruled OUT for the remainder of the contest. While the situation caused concern during the game, Campbell’s comments after the game offered a glimmer of hope.
Injury Details
Derrick Barnes, who has been a key contributor to the Lions’ linebacker corps, left the field in the second half after suffering a knee injury. The injury appeared serious enough for Barnes to be carted off, leaving Lions fans holding their breath. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, another crucial piece of Detroit’s defense, sustained a shoulder injury earlier in the game and was quickly ruled out.
After the game, Campbell addressed the injuries, noting that while there is some concern, the initial outlook doesn’t seem to suggest either injury is season-ending.
“I can’t say they’re not going to be long-term,” Campbell said during his post game presser, “but I don’t feel like it’s something we’re worried about season-ending.”
Looking Ahead to Monday Night Football
The timing of these injuries comes just before the Lions’ upcoming Monday Night Football showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, giving Detroit an extra day of rest and recovery. Both McNeill and Barnes will be closely monitored throughout the week to determine their availability for next week’s game.
The extra rest is much-needed for the Lions, who are aiming to get back to full strength for a crucial primetime matchup. Detroit’s defense has been a bright spot this season, with McNeill and Barnes playing key roles. Losing either player for an extended period would be a significant blow to a unit that has shown great improvement under Campbell’s leadership.
Aidan Hutchinson Continues to Shine
Despite the injuries, the Lions’ defense got a strong performance from Aidan Hutchinson, who recorded a sack for the fifth-straight game, setting a new franchise record. Hutchinson now has 5.5 sacks in just three games this season, and his dominant play has been a driving force behind the Lions’ success.
The Bottom Line
As the Lions gear up for Monday Night Football against Seattle, the health of Alim McNeill and Derrick Barnes will be a major storyline to watch. While Dan Campbell’s post-game comments suggest that neither injury is season-ending, the Lions will be hoping for good news on both players as they prepare for a critical stretch of games.
Stay tuned for further updates on the status of McNeill and Barnes as the Lions look to continue their momentum next week.
