There were some updates to Lions injuries on Monday including from Dan Campbell’s press conference. See my postgame article for my immediate thoughts with sideline videos.
I’m still here roasting away in Arizona so haven’t been able to watch the full game tape, but I’ve included some injury video here.
Marcus Davenport left elbow
You can see his arm get chopped down from the end zone angle: pic.twitter.com/VSv13TlmaQ
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) September 23, 2024
This video shows his forearm getting chopped down while his elbow is in flexion. This mechanism could cause an elbow flexor muscle tear of the biceps or brachialis.
Unfortunately, Dan Campbell on Monday stated that “it looks like a season-ender”. Here is a detailed article by Jeff Risdon with options to fill Davenport’s role.
Derrick Barnes right knee
Derrick Barnes is down. Got cut down at the knees & it didn’t look good#OnePride pic.twitter.com/NSqzPCE7nQ
— Anthony Bellino (@ACBellino) September 22, 2024
The video looked like he took a shot directly to the right knee which can cause a hyperextension, bone bruise, and ligament sprains.
Campbell stated he’s “down for a significant amount of time” and alluded to a “ligament needing to scar in” and “once it heals, is he going to need surgery”. This strongly suggests a partial or complete knee ligament tear, possibly of the MCL based on the limited video.
While not great news, it does rule out worst-case scenarios like an ACL tear and gives hope he could be back this season.
Alim McNeill shoulder
He missed the 2nd half of the game, which was concerning. Good news was delivered Monday, though, as Campbell described the injury as “day to day”.
Sam LaPorta right low ankle sprain
Tests confirmed low ankle sprain for LaPorta, per source. Relative good news for the #Lions‘ star tight end. https://t.co/QhB5ptBMn9
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 23, 2024
Campbell described LaPorta as “day to day” which is consistent with a non-severe low ankle sprain. I’d expect him to get limited practices during the latter part of the week with a good chance of playing vs the Seahawks. The extra day before the next game on Monday night will serve him well.
Brian Branch concussion
Campbell stated he was “doing pretty good” on Monday. This suggests Branch is either asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic right now which increases the likelihood he’ll be ready next Monday.
Keep an eye on the initial injury report – a limited practice leans in; a no practice leans out.