The Lions are limping toward the playoffs as the defense continues to suffer mounting injuries. Against the Bills, multiple defenders went down, including two key starters: Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell offered grim updates on both players:
“We’ll know more [Monday], but I don’t feel good about either one of those guys… for the rest of the year.”
Additionally, backup cornerback and special teams contributor Khalil Dorsey is officially out for the season.
Here’s the initial look at the injuries sustained in the game, along with suspected diagnoses:
Carlton Davis – Jaw (1Q 12:30, 2Q 13:29)
In the first quarter, Davis took a hit to the left side of his helmet during a tackle and missed one play. In the second quarter, the video is unclear, but it’s presumed he took another blow to the same area. Trainers were later seen examining his left jaw, and he did not return.
This isn’t the first time Davis has sustained trauma to the left side of his head this year. In Week 6, a cleat struck the same side of his helmetless head. Whether these injuries are connected remains uncertain.
David Montgomery – Right Knee (2Q 7:39)
The exact moment of injury is unclear, but it’s suspected he hurt his knee at the end of a run when his right leg got tangled. On his next carry, his leg appeared to give out, and he left the game shortly after.
Montgomery returned in the third quarter with a visible knee wrap and played into the fourth quarter, appearing effective. Postgame, Campbell described him as “a little banged up.” A mild knee sprain or contusion is most likely, pending further evaluation.
Khalil Dorsey – Right Tibia and Fibula Fracture Near the Ankle (2Q 1:47)
Dorsey is done for the season with a fracture similar to Aidan Hutchinson’s earlier this year. However, Dorsey’s injury is closer to the ankle joint, raising concerns about potential joint damage. This could make his injury more complicated than Hutchinson’s, which spared the joint.
Interestingly, Dorsey narrowly avoided a similar injury last year on a tripping tackle during kick coverage. The force on that play was greater than the one that caused his fracture this year, underscoring the fluke nature of such injuries. Dorsey will enter free agency this offseason.
Alim McNeill – Right Knee (3Q 7:20)
The video doesn’t clearly show when McNeill hurt his knee, but it’s suspected to have occurred on a hard landing with a straight leg.
Best-case scenarios include a mild knee sprain or bone bruise, while possibilities such as meniscus damage, an ACL tear, or a fracture cannot be ruled out. A definitive diagnosis is expected soon.
Terrion Arnold – Passed Concussion Evaluation (4Q 14:00)
Arnold went airborne to defend a pass and landed hard on his back, causing his head to whip into the turf. While this could have resulted in a concussion, he presumably passed the evaluation and finished the game.
Although delayed symptoms are possible, they are unlikely. His status should become clear by Wednesday’s practice.
Brian Branch – Right Upper Leg Strain (4Q 4:12)
For the second consecutive game, Branch grabbed at his right upper lateral leg after an awkward tackle. He showed similar discomfort last week against the Packers.
Despite staying in both games, Branch may be managing a mild underlying issue, such as a muscle or tendon strain or an iliotibial band injury.
The Lions are now anxiously awaiting further evaluations as they prepare for the critical weeks ahead.
