The Detroit Lions’ defensive backfield has taken a serious hit, and reinforcements may soon be on the way. With rookie standout Terrion Arnold expected to miss an extended stretch — and possibly the remainder of the season — along with veteran D.J. Reed currently sidelined on injured reserve, the team’s secondary depth is in crisis mode.
Reed is battling a hamstring issue and is anticipated to return before season’s end. Arnold, however, suffered a significant shoulder injury that could mark the end of his rookie campaign, according to NFL Network reports.
Amid the growing list of injuries, one name has surfaced as a potential solution: Tre Hawkins III. The 25-year-old cornerback, a 2023 sixth-round pick from Old Dominion, began his career with the New York Giants, appearing in all 17 games as a rookie. His sophomore season, however, was cut short after just three contests due to a fractured lumbar spine — ironically, sustained during one of his best performances in the league.
In that standout outing against the New Orleans Saints, Hawkins recorded six tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups while playing 59 defensive snaps. Over his two seasons with the Giants, he started four games and appeared in a total of 20.
After recovering from back surgery, Hawkins returned to participate in the Giants’ training camp earlier this year. Unfortunately, a hamstring setback forced him out once again, leading to his release via an injury settlement in September.
According to insider Aaron Wilson, Hawkins has made significant progress in his recovery and has drawn interest from several teams — including the Lions, Ravens, 49ers, Dolphins, and Colts.
The Lions’ need for reinforcements is undeniable. Besides Arnold and Reed, Khalil Dorsey is also sidelined with wrist and concussion issues. Meanwhile, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a promising second-round pick, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier in training camp.
If healthy, Hawkins could provide much-needed size and athleticism to Detroit’s battered secondary. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 195 pounds, he posted a 37.5-inch vertical leap and ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine — athletic metrics that suggest considerable upside.
Internally, the Lions are leaning on Amik Robertson as their top cornerback, with Rock Ya-Sin manning the opposite side and Avonte Maddox covering the slot. Behind them, Tre Flowers, Erick Hallett II, and Nick Whiteside remain on the practice squad, offering some emergency depth. Flowers recently joined the team and saw playing time in last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite the wave of injuries, head coach Dan Campbell remains firm in his commitment to Detroit’s aggressive defensive identity.
“We’re going to do what’s best for our team,” Campbell said. “We believe in playing man-to-man. That’s who we are. Of course, we’ll tweak some things and help our personnel where needed, but our mindset doesn’t change. The front needs to pressure faster, and our defensive backs have to step up and compete. We’ll adjust, we’ll adapt, and we’ll move forward.”
With the Kansas City Chiefs next on the schedule, the Lions’ thin cornerback group is about to face one of the toughest tests in the league. Whether Hawkins joins the roster or not, Detroit’s resilience and depth will be pushed to the limit.
