The Detroit Lions’ defense suffered another potential setback during their Week 18 regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold exited the game in the third quarter with an apparent lower-leg injury sustained while making a tackle. He remained on the field briefly before being carted off to the locker room for further evaluation.
Arnold was initially listed as questionable to return. His injury occurred with 11:39 remaining in the third quarter, as the Lions held a 10-6 lead over the Vikings. In Arnold’s absence, Kindle Vildor stepped in at cornerback alongside Amik Robertson. By the end of the third quarter, Detroit extended their lead to 17-9.
Earlier in the third quarter, Arnold made a crucial play by breaking up a fourth-down pass intended for Jordan Addison in the end zone, forcing a turnover on downs. Unfortunately, the Lions’ offense turned the ball over on the very next play when Jared Goff was intercepted by Harrison Smith.
The buildup to Sunday’s game was electric, as the stakes were monumental. The winner would secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed and claim the NFC North title. Head coach Dan Campbell leaned into the pressure, continuing to instill the mindset he’s fostered throughout his tenure.
The Lions entered the game boasting a 5-0 record in primetime matchups this season. They credit their success to diligent preparation and an unwavering focus on the task at hand.
“It’s all about the preparation. That’s the first thing I emphasized this week: the prep work. You’ve got to understand this opponent and know the plan,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket ahead of the game. “The plan is solid, and it’s going to give our guys the opportunity to execute and succeed.”
