Dan Campbell addressed the press at Allen Park this Saturday and offered critical injury news ahead of the Detroit Lions’ Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
During their dramatic 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears, the Lions experienced a rash of concerning injuries. On Friday, news broke that linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL and would be out for the season. This was heartbreaking news for ‘Rodrigo’, the fans, and the team.
Coach Campbell relayed his frustration to the assembled press:
“I hate it for Malcolm…he was playing so well for us…we hate to lose him.”
Campbell then shifted, discussing the rest of the linebacker room and which players would fill the void. David Long, Trevor Nowaske, Ben Niemann and Ezekiel Turner all played several snaps on Thursday, and Campbell expects them all to play a more significant role in the future.
“I think you’re going to see every one of those guys play. And they are going to have a role, and they are all going to contribute on defense for us.”
Like most NFL teams, the Lions play a lot of nickel personnel, but Aaron Glenn still deploys more base personnel than many other NFL teams. The Lions like having three linebackers on the field, where possible.
And Kwon Alexander will join that stable of linebackers, too. The former New Orleans Saint worked with Glenn and Campbell in New Orleans, and the Saints’ former Tight Ends coach expects Alexander to contribute quickly:
“We know Kwon. … We were with him in New Orleans. We know exactly what he’s suited to do. Most of this will be carryover for him. … I think he’s going to pick up on this fast. Kwon is all energy. He’s a relentless player. He’s an aggressive player. And he can run and hit. He’ll fit that room nicely and bring us a little something different.”
Coach Campbell on Injured Players
Pivoting towards the other injuries, the Lions head coach confirmed that Mekhi Wingo is out for the season. Fortunately, Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike’s injuries are not considered severe; both are day-to-day. Thursday Night Football may come too soon for both, but both should be fit for Week 15.
Carlton Davis is another day-to-day injury. Thankfully, Emmanuel Moseley is okay and should be ready for Thursday night. The Lions pulled Moseley out of the Thanksgiving game in the warmup after Moseley felt something flare up.