Despite having one of the best regular seasons in team history, the Detroit Lions now face a critical challenge. Following their Week 15 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, a 48-42 shootout loss, the primary concern isn’t the score—it’s the devastating injuries to several key players.
Sunday’s game saw season-ending injuries to running back David Montgomery, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey. In addition, cornerback Carlton Davis III suffered a jaw injury, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.
The Lions have already been one of the most injury-ravaged teams in the NFL, particularly on defense. Including Sunday’s setbacks, they’ve now lost six defensive starters from their Week 1 roster. This includes Aidan Hutchinson, arguably the best player on the team.
The secondary, in particular, is facing a dire situation. The Lions’ injured reserve list already features cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Ifeatu Melifonwu, along with Dorsey and Davis. While Melifonwu’s practice window is expected to open this week, it’s unclear whether he’ll be ready for Week 16.
Given the circumstances, Detroit urgently needs to add depth to its cornerback rotation. Fortunately, a potential solution has just become available—an experienced and talented CB with a proven postseason track record.
On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers released cornerback Ambry Thomas, as reported by Adam Schefter. This move presents the Lions with an opportunity to secure a key addition to their roster before the playoffs.
Ambry Thomas: The Ideal Target for the Lions
Thomas, a former Michigan standout, was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. Since joining the league, he’s been a valuable contributor to San Francisco’s elite defense, appearing in 42 games with 11 starts. He’s also played in four postseason games for the 49ers, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
Although Thomas missed the start of the season due to a fractured forearm and landed on injured reserve, he’s reportedly healthy and ready to play.
In the meantime, the Lions are expected to start Terrion Arnold and Kindle Vildor on the outside against the Bears, with Amik Robertson potentially shifting outside and Brian Branch moving up from safety to cornerback. Emmanuel Moseley is also likely to take on a larger role amid the team’s mounting absences.
However, these adjustments are more stopgaps than long-term solutions. Adding a player like Thomas could provide a significant boost to Detroit’s defense ahead of the playoffs and help restore their status as Super Bowl contenders.
