The Detroit Lions escaped with a dramatic victory over the New York Giants, but they didn’t leave the field completely unscathed. While the win keeps Detroit firmly in the NFC playoff race, the team now turns its attention to a key injury that emerged during the matchup.
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond was the only Lions player to sustain a new in-game injury, leaving in the third quarter with what appeared to be a left-ankle issue. Raymond was unable to return, forcing Detroit to adjust its rotation at receiver and on special teams. His absence was noticeable, especially on punt return duties where he has been one of the team’s most reliable playmakers.
Before exiting, Raymond contributed with his usual speed and spacing, helping open up opportunities for Detroit’s offensive weapons, including Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions will now wait for further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and whether Raymond will miss time.
The positive news for Detroit is that no other major injuries were reported during the game. Several key players who entered the matchup banged up—such as Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Khalil Dorsey—managed to finish the contest without setbacks. With the playoff push intensifying, avoiding additional losses was crucial for Dan Campbell’s team.
Detroit was already dealing with multiple pre-game absences, including safety Kerby Joseph (knee) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion). Adding another name to the list is far from ideal, but Raymond’s situation will be monitored closely throughout the week.
As Detroit continues its strong season, the hope is that Raymond’s injury is minor. The Lions have overcome adversity all year, and staying healthy down the stretch will be vital if they want to maintain momentum heading into December.
