Lions Urged to Re-sign Veteran DB Amid Injury Crisis - Latest Sports Updates

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The Detroit Lions are facing a challenging situation on defense, with several key players injured, including starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who may be out for the rest of the season due to a serious head injury. While the team has depth in its secondary, USA Today’s Jeff Risdon suggested they might consider adding some veteran help by bringing back a familiar face.

Next Steps for the Lions

Risdon pointed out that the Lions could turn to internal options to replace Davis in the starting lineup. For instance, they could shift Amik Robertson, the team’s slot cornerback, to the outside, a position where he performed well during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. Another potential option is rookie Kindle Vildor, who stepped in for Davis during Detroit’s recent loss to the Buffalo Bills.

However, Risdon also proposed that the Lions might re-sign free agent Jerry Jacobs

, who played a significant role in the team’s NFC Championship run last season. Jacobs is still unsigned but has garnered some interest from other teams recently. “Returning veteran Jerry Jacobs is the most attractive option on the free-agent market,” Risdon wrote. Jacobs started 29 games over three seasons with Detroit, including 12 last season. Although his coverage was inconsistent, Jacobs is familiar with the Lions’ defensive system and is solid in run support, making him a viable candidate for a return.

Injury Updates for the Lions

Despite the series of injuries suffered in their 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Lions could receive some positive news soon. Head coach Dan Campbell shared that safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was placed on injured reserve, is now eligible to return to practice and is expected to start participating again this week. While Campbell did not confirm if Melifonwu would be ready for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, he expressed optimism about his recovery.

After their defeat to the Bills, which dropped the Lions to 12-2, the team enters a crucial final stretch of the season. Detroit will face the Bears and the San Francisco 49ers on the road before returning home for a potential division-deciding showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, who have won seven consecutive games to tie the Lions atop the division standings.

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Lions Not Dismissing David Montgomery Return; John Cominsky Activation Unlikely The Detroit Lions are not completely dismissing the possibility of David Montgomery’s return, adding another potential player to their list of late-season comebacks. Initially, head coach Dan Campbell had confirmed that Montgomery would miss the remainder of the season due to an MCL injury, but on Wednesday, he reversed that stance. It was revealed that Montgomery sought a third opinion regarding his knee injury. Campbell explained, “David is getting another opinion. He’s already had a couple, and we’re just waiting to hear what the third one says. That’s why we haven’t placed him on injured reserve.” He further added that Montgomery’s injury is complex, and the team needs to determine its stability before moving forward. “We need to know if it’s stable, fixed, or if it will cause permanent damage,” Campbell noted, highlighting the importance of the player’s confidence in his recovery. Montgomery, after a solid stint with the Bears, has become essential to the Lions’ success over the past two seasons, pairing with Jahmyr Gibbs in a powerful backfield. As Detroit’s starting back, Montgomery has scored 25 rushing touchdowns and was on track for another 1,000-yard season. Earlier this season, the team extended Montgomery with a two-year, $18.25 million contract. While Gibbs is expected to take on a larger role down the stretch, the Lions have yet to place Montgomery on injured reserve. The running back expressed hope of returning this season. The Lions are keeping Montgomery on the 53-man roster for now. Detroit’s IR-return scenario is becoming increasingly complicated, with several players in the mix. Aidan Hutchinson could return as soon as the NFC Championship game if the Lions advance, and Carlton Davis, recovering from a broken jaw, could be back during the postseason. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, previously designated for return, is also moving closer to activation after being placed on IR for a second time this season. Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes are not ruled out for the year, and cornerback Ennis Raestraw is eligible to return. However, defensive lineman John Cominsky, who has missed the entire season with a torn MCL, is now considered unlikely to return. His chances of reactivation appear slim after missing all of 2024 due to the injury. Cominsky, in his third year with Detroit, had started 19 games before his injury. Meanwhile, Alim McNeill, who tore his ACL, is definitely out. Despite these setbacks, the Lions remain hopeful about the players still in line for IR returns. Should Montgomery be sidelined longer, Craig Reynolds, a dependable back who has been with the Lions since 2019, is expected to see an increased role until Montgomery is ready to return — assuming he doesn’t require season-ending surgery.

December 19, 2024