The Detroit Lions may receive a much-needed boost on defense this week, as rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold is trending toward a possible return for the Thanksgiving matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Dan Campbell offered an encouraging update Monday, noting that Arnold has officially cleared the first step of the NFL concussion protocol.
Arnold has missed the last two games after suffering a concussion in Week 10, leaving the Lions shorthanded in the secondary. However, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, Arnold was listed as limited on Detroit’s first estimated practice report of the week—his most positive sign of progress in more than two weeks.
Campbell confirmed that Arnold is moving in the right direction but emphasized that he must complete all phases of the protocol before being cleared for game action.
“We did some stuff with him. It’s a checkmark for Day 1,” Campbell told The Detroit News. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and see where it’s at and go from there.”
Arnold had logged three straight DNPs before last weekend’s win over the New York Giants, and with the Lions facing a short week, there were growing concerns he might miss a third consecutive game. His upgrade to limited participation suggests he now has a realistic chance to suit up Thursday.
The timing could not be better. Detroit’s secondary is finally starting to rebuild its depth, with No. 1 corner D.J. Reed returning from IR and safety Kerby Joseph trending in a positive direction despite being listed as a non-participant Monday.
If Arnold is cleared in time, the Lions’ defensive backfield will be the healthiest it has been in weeks—crucial as Detroit battles to stay atop the NFC North and prepares for a division-defining showdown with the Packers on Thanksgiving Day.
As the Lions continue their playoff push, Arnold’s potential return would provide a major boost for a team eyeing another key NFC North victory.
