The Detroit Lions have some ongoing injury issues that are somewhat worrisome. It’s not a problem exclusive to Detroit, however. Two of the team’s NFC East opponents in 2022 will be without arguably the most talented player on their rosters when they face the Lions this season.
The Washington Commanders will come to Ford Field in Week 2 without star defensive end Chase Young. The Commanders placed Young on the reserve/PUP list this week, meaning the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft will miss at least the first four games. Young is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November.
Washington will also be without starting center Tyler Larsen, who was also placed on the reserve/PUP list.
It’s even more serious in Dallas, where the Cowboys have lost perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith for at least most of the 2022 season. Smith tore his left hamstring away from the bone, an avulsion fracture, in an injury that could end his Dallas career, per reports. The Lions travel to Dallas in Week 7 in Detroit’s first game after the bye week, and Smith will definitely be out.
Detroit fans and players should feel little mercy for their NFC East brethren after the ridiculous rash of injuries that plagued the Lions in 2021.
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