The Detroit Lions walked away with a dominant 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but the win came with a costly blow to their defensive backfield.
Star cornerback D.J. Reed was forced to leave the game with what head coach Dan Campbell suggested could be a significant injury. To make matters worse, fellow defensive back Terrion Arnold also suffered an issue that could sideline him in the short term. With depth suddenly becoming a concern, Detroit may need to explore outside options — and one name already linked to the team could resurface.
Campbell Addresses Injuries
After the game, Campbell admitted that Reed’s situation appeared more concerning than Arnold’s, hinting that the veteran may not return any time soon.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to be, but I’d be shocked if [Reed] is available next week,” Campbell said. He added that Arnold’s status was less worrisome but still uncertain for the upcoming matchup.
The potential absence of both players creates a void that Detroit cannot ignore, especially as the schedule toughens.
Asante Samuel Jr. an Option?
One possible solution is Asante Samuel Jr., a former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback who has been recovering from back surgery. Samuel, who carries a market value of roughly $7 million, is working toward a return in the second half of the season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Samuel is set for a CT scan in October to confirm his recovery progress. If cleared, he plans to sign with a new team, and multiple franchises have reportedly stayed in contact with him.
The Lions were floated as a strong fit even before the injuries. In August, Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated wrote that Samuel could be a valuable veteran presence for Detroit, particularly in mentoring younger defensive backs while also providing much-needed insurance against further injuries.
Lions’ Defense Still Dominant
Even with injuries piling up, Detroit’s defense looked sharp against the Browns. The unit registered three sacks, forced three turnovers, and got a major boost on special teams when Kalif Raymond returned a punt 65 yards for a score.
There was also a scare when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down briefly. However, Hutchinson later explained it was only a case of getting the wind knocked out of him.
“I couldn’t breathe and I didn’t want fans to panic,” Hutchinson said. “I just needed half a minute, then I was fine.”
With Reed’s long-term availability in doubt and Arnold also on shaky ground, the Lions’ front office may soon decide whether bringing in a proven veteran like Samuel is necessary to keep their secondary stable as the season progresses.
