See my postgame article for the initial analysis with videos of the Lions injuries coming out of the Bucs game. Dan Campbell provided updates to some of those players on Monday that I’ll try to decrypt.
Amon-Ra St. Brown left leg
Adam Schefter earlier on Monday provided a positive update.
Despite being hobbled during Sunday’s game, Lions WR Amon-Ra initially was determined to have only a contusion and cramping, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
On one of the videos, there was a clear left quad muscle contusion which could have caused “charley horse”-type spasming. “Cramping” could be referring to the quad muscle spasm or to the typical cramping location at the calf. I didn’t see obvious evidence of calf cramping on video.
When asked about Saint, Campbell stated: “lower leg, he’ll be good, soft tissue”.
“Lower leg” means the calf area and “soft tissue” suggests muscle. If Campbell is accurate, that would imply calf cramping or a mild calf strain.
Some of the injury video during the game suggested a muscle strain with possible locations at the groin or thigh.
Put all together, it’s good news. There is no concern for a knee or ankle injury. At best, Saint has only a simple contusion and/or cramp which would allow him to play Sunday with no limitations. At worst, he has a mild muscle strain which does carry the potential of a short-term absence.
Last year, Amon-Ra missed one game with an oblique muscle strain. Leading up that game, he had three “no practices”. If he can get up to a “limited practice” by Wednesday or Thursday, I would expect him to play vs the Cardinals.
Alex Anzalone concussion
Campbell stated: “He felt pretty good today relative to what that was”. That’s a nice report but it doesn’t tell us if Anzalone is currently asymptomatic which is the key. Once asymptomatic, he can begin progressing through the five-stage NFL concussion protocol.
If Anzalone can get a “limited practice” on Wednesday, that’s a sign he is asymptomatic and is trending towards playing.
Terrion Arnold left finger
Video suggested a left index finger injury. Dan Campbell stated: “Nothing significant on the finger, he should be good”. This implies that there is no fracture or a complex finger dislocation that might require surgery.
A simple dislocation is my suspected diagnosis here which would heal within 3-6 weeks. Arnold almost certainly will be available on Sunday while wearing a splint or buddy tape to protect the finger. Interceptions and tackling will be tougher for him until the finger is healed.