The Detroit Lions may turn to a familiar face to bolster their defense after a wave of injuries has taken a toll on the team.
The Lions have been hit particularly hard, with starting cornerback Carlton Davis suffering a potentially season-ending head injury. While the team has some depth in the secondary, Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire suggested that Detroit could look to free agency for reinforcements, including a former Lion who could bring experience and familiarity.
Next Man Up for Detroit
Risdon noted that the Lions have internal options to replace Davis in the starting lineup. Slot corner Amik Robertson could shift to an outside role, where he previously thrived with the Las Vegas Raiders. Alternatively, the team might lean on rookie cornerback Kindle Vildor, who stepped in for Davis during Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
However, Risdon also pointed out that free agent Jerry Jacobs could be an intriguing option. Jacobs, a key part of Detroit’s run to the NFC Championship game last season, remains unsigned despite recent interest from other teams.
“Old friend Jerry Jacobs is the most appealing option on the free agent market,” Risdon wrote. “Jacobs started 29 games in three seasons in Detroit, including 12 last year. His coverage work was inconsistent, and he too has not latched on anywhere despite several workouts with different teams–including the Broncos just last week. Jacobs knows the defensive system and at least provides strong run support on the outside, making him a worthwhile candidate to return to Detroit.”
Positive Injury Updates
The Lions received some encouraging injury news after Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the Bills, which not only saw Davis sidelined but also left defensive lineman Alim McNeill and running back David Montgomery banged up.
Head coach Dan Campbell revealed that safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is set to return to practice after spending time on injured reserve. While it’s unclear if Melifonwu will play in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Campbell expressed optimism about his progress.
“I see his clock starting, and so then it’s ‘Well, OK, that’s good.’ We get him out at practice, do we think he could help us as early as Sunday? I don’t know that right now, and I won’t until we get him out there running around a little bit,” Campbell said, via USA Today’s Lions Wire.
Critical Final Stretch
At 12-2 following their loss to the Bills, the Lions face a pivotal three-game stretch to close out the season. They’ll visit the Bears and 49ers before hosting the Minnesota Vikings in what could be a showdown for the division title. The Vikings, riding a seven-game win streak, are now tied with Detroit for the NFC North lead.
