Tag: Derrick Barnes

Lions regular season injury video retrospective – Defense edition

Lions regular season injury video retrospective – Defense edition: Going over all of Detroit’s defensive injuries and how they occurred

The Lions head into the playoffs as the #1 seed with a 15-2 record. It’s an impressive feat. It’s even more impressive considering the absurd number of defensive injuries the team has had to overcome.

I’ve compiled a video retrospective (if available) of the most significant injuries to the defense. The list is ranked starting with the injuries most impactful to the season.

In parentheses are the number of full games missed during the regular season. Also noted are those players who are currently available.

Aidan Hutchinson, DE (12 full games missed)

Left tibia/fibula fracture, October 13

Marcus Davenport, DE (15)

Groin, September 8
Left elbow, September 22

Alex Anzalone, LB (7) – available

Concussion, September 15

Left forearm fracture, November 17

Derrick Barnes, LB (14)

Right knee MCL/PCL, September 22

John Cominsky, DE (17)

MCL, July 30

Alim McNeill, DT (3)

Shoulder, September 22

Suspected right TMJ, November 10

Concussion, December 5

Right ACL, December 15

Carlton Davis, CB (3)

Left thumb fracture, November 17
Left knee, November 24

Jaw fracture, December 15

Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (7)

Left ankle sprain, October 27

Right ACL, November 28

Ifeatu Melifonwu, S (14) – available

Ankle, August
Left hand, November

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB (7) – available

Neck, November 3

Kyle Peko, DT (13)

Left pec rupture, October 13

Josh Paschal, DE (3) – available

Shoulder mass excision, October
Right knee, November 28

Mekhi Wingo, DT (6)

Ankle, November
Right knee, November 28

Ennis Rakestraw, CB (9)

Hamstring, September
Hamstring, November 23

Brodric Martin, DT (10) – available

Right knee, August 24

Brian Branch, S (1) – available

Concussion/illness, September 22

Right calf/leg, December

 

Levi Onwuzurike, DT (1) – available

Left hamstring, November 28

Khalil Dorsey, CB (3)

Right ankle/leg fracture, December 15

Emmanuel Moseley, CB (15)

Pec rupture, August
Hamstring, November
Illness, January

Terrion Arnold, CB (1)

Groin, November
Right foot, January 5

Trevor Nowaske, LB (1) – available

Concussion, December

Pat O’Connor, DT (0)

Calf, January 5

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players and if/when they can return to action, including Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Barnes

Hope and optimism are filling the air this holiday season for Lions fans. There is more reason for hope than any season in decades with an NFL-leading 11-1 record. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, team health from this point forward will be a major factor in determining their fate.

Let’s check the outlook of the players on injured reserve (IR) using quotes about hope from some of my favorite movies.

“You must complete your mission. You must lay the seeds for the future. You’re here to influence history and worlds to come.”

– Mr. Robertson in Predestination

Aidan Hutchinson – left tibia/fibula fracture, October 13

This superstar DE was on the short list for defensive player of the year before his injury. The timeline for a tib/fib recovery is typically at least four months.

The Super Bowl is 17 weeks from the time of his injury. I expect him to return for the big game, albeit in limited fashion and with limited ability. He won’t have his usual quickness, strength, or stamina, but he may still be effective as a decoy and distraction to the opponent. The greatest value of his early return may be off-the-field as an inspirational, emotional boost to the team and the fanbase.

Next season, he should be back to his elite self as he cements his influence on Lions history.

“I do not believe it to be a matter of hope, it is simply a matter of time.”

– Morpheus in The Matrix

These players have short-term injuries that will allow them to return for the start of the playoffs or even before.

Alex Anzalone – left forearm fracture, November 17

This speedy starting LB has an estimated 6-8 week recovery for his forearm. The silver lining to the injury is that his legs are unaffected allowing him to return stronger and fresher than before. December 30 (Week 17) or January 5 (Week 18) are likely dates for his return.

Kalif Raymond – left foot, November 24

The Lions’ primary kick returner and valuable backup WR fortunately avoided a serious foot injury. He is expected to be back at the latest for the start of the playoffs, and is eligible to return with two games left in the regular season on December 30.

“I will see you again. But not yet. Not yet.”

– Juba in Gladiator

It’s unknown whether we will see these players yet again this season due to uncertain severity and prognosis. But they are signed with the Lions for future years, so if they don’t return this season, we should see them in the next.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin – neck, November 3

This special-teams captain and valuable backup LB has an unspecified neck injury. He is eligible to return December 5 (week 14) and is signed through the 2025 season.

Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 22

This 2nd-round rookie has had two hamstring issues this season. The first one in September cost him two games. The second will cost at least four games with the earliest possible return date of December 22 (week 16). He is in the 1st year of his 4-year rookie contract.

“Hope Can Be A Dangerous Thing.”

– Red in The Shawshank Redemption

Ifeatu Melifonwu – ankle, August 17; finger, November 14

After ending last season in spectacular fashion, there was hope that Melifonwu could build on that this year. Unfortunately, multiple prolonged injuries this year made hope for his return a dangerous thing.

After an injury to his ankle area in preseason, there was an uncertain recovery causing a delayed placement on IR. I suspect Achilles tendonitis, given the uncertain recovery timeline.

After he started his practice window in November, he was placed on IR a second time with an unspecified finger injury. The recovery timeline of the finger is unknown, and it’s not even certain that the ankle/Achilles is ready-to-go.

Hope is fading that he can help the team at all this year. The earliest he can return is December 22 (week 16).

“My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do.”

– Forrest in Forrest Gump

These players have long-term injuries with recovery timelines of multiple months. It may take a minor miracle for them to return for the playoffs.

John Cominsky – MCL, July 30

The “Commish” had MCL surgery with an estimated 5-6 month recovery. If the estimate is accurate, he could be back in January. His return would aide both the DT and DE positions as he can effectively play both.

Derrick Barnes – right MCL & PCL, September 22

This hybrid LB/DE had surgery for an MCL and PCL injury. There is still a glimmer of hope he could return late in the playoffs. However, he will need to make fast progress in rehab as he was only just getting on an exercise bike in mid-November.

“Hope is a mistake. If you can’t fix what’s broken, you’ll go insane.”

– Max in Mad Max: Fury Road

For these players, hope for a return this season is a mistake. Their injuries will have been surgically fixed and require a long recovery.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right ACL, November 28

Rodrigo tore his ACL on Thanksgiving. The recovery timeline is around 11 months so hopefully he’ll be back around October next year. Expect him to start training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He is signed through the 2025 season on his rookie contract.

Marcus Davenport – left elbow, September 22

This free agent was signed to start at DE opposite Hutchinson but only appeared in two games before hurting his left elbow. Scattered reports suggest a triceps rupture and there does not appear to be any possibility he’ll be back this season.

Kyle Peko – left pec rupture, October 13

This valuable backup DT ruptured his pec requiring surgery. Given the importance of pec strength to his position, there is no hope for a return this season.

Mekhi Wingo – right knee, November 28

Dan Campbell stated that this 6th-round rookie DT would be out for the season with an unspecified knee injury that will probably require surgery.

“Welcome to the party, pal!”

– John McClane in Die Hard

Congrats to these players who have battled through long stints on IR to join the active roster party.

Brodric Martin – right knee hyperextension, August 24

This 2nd-year DT played for the first time this season on Thanksgiving with two defensive snaps. With injuries mounting along the defensive line, his workload may spike in the next game.

Emmanuel Moseley – pec rupture, August 5

This 28-year-old CB has recovered from pec surgery, not to mention ACL tears each of the past two years. On November 24, he returned to play 15 special teams snaps vs the Colts. Unexpectedly, he was inactive the next game vs the Bears due to a minor unspecified pregame issue.

And one final quote, for all Lions fans in the midst of this glorious season…

“The unknown future rolls toward us. I face it, for the first time, with a sense of hope.”

– Sarah Connor in Terminator 2

David Long: What the Lions are getting in their new LB

Breaking down the game film and scouting report on new Lions LB David Long, signed to the practice squad to help replace Alex Anzalone

Despite demolishing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Detroit Lions did receive some bad news regarding linebacker Alex Anzalone. It was confirmed yesterday that Anzalone will miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken forearm.

The injury occurred while Anzalone was making a tackle on Jaguars running back Travis Etienne with 2:32 left in the second quarter. As Etienne was getting near the sidelines, his left arm got caught between the running back and his teammate Brian Branch.

Fortunately, it does sound like Anzalone could return for the playoffs as he’s expected to only miss 6 – 8 weeks. To fill the void, the Lions will need players such as Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell to step up for the defense. In addition to that, the Lions signed linebacker David Long to their practice squad.

Rated as one of the best linebackers in football in 2023, Long being available was somewhat surprising last week. However, Long had lost his starting job on the Dolphins defense and he ended up being released on November 13, 2024.

Prior to playing a season and a half with the Dolphins, he had spent four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Originally, he was drafted by the Titans in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. Let’s dive into some film to see what the Lions are getting with linebacker David Long!

 

Starting with where I think Long could be best suited for Detroit and that would be whenever blitzing. As we know, the Lions have had to get creative in generating pressure with the loss of Aidan Hutchinson. Using different blitzes and line stunts, the Lions could get creative to get Long in the backfield.

Looking at the play above, you can see a clear blitz from Long (LB 11). He times the snap well and blitzes through the B-gap. In the process, he slips under the right tackle, who is trying to pull and kick him out. However, Long does a great job ripping underneath and making a tackle in the backfield.

Through the first four weeks of the season, Long was ranked 3rd in PFF’s tackle-for-loss rate database. In 65 run-defense snaps, he had earned a 6.15% tackle-for-loss rate. The hope for Detroit is that they can tap into some of what he was doing so well to start the season.

 

Staying with Long’s performance against the Bills from earlier this season, we go to my favorite play from him on tape. Through the four games that I watched, there were certainly some head scratching reads and plays from Long. However, the play above is a perfect example of Long playing with conviction and violence.

Looking at the play above, Long (LB 11) is aligned in a ’10’ (between guard and center) and he makes a great read. As he begins to trigger downhill, he’s met by Bills LT 73 Dion Dawkins. Rather than waiting for Dawkins to get square and seal him off, Long shocks and sheds the blocker.

As he creates separation, he’s able to see on either side of the blocker. Once he sees the running back make his cut, he slips underneath and makes a terrific tackle at the hole. This was textbook from Long, and the hope is the Lions can get him back to playing like that.

 

While the previous play was a great highlight, I do want to reiterate that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when watching Long play. There are times that he looks hesitant, plays too slow or too fast or he simply just makes the wrong read.

When you’re a younger player, you can get away with that. However, when you’re a 6-year veteran and ranked as one of the top run defenders in the league over a period of time, it’s hard to justify bad performances when they stack up. That happens to be the case for David Long.

For example, when you look at the two clips posted above, we’ll start with the first one against Arizona. Long reads the zone blocks being executed by the Cardinals offensive line but as the play continues, he gets impatient and gets burned. Assuming that the running back is going to cut back, Long would have looked like a stud.

Instead, he looks somewhat foolish for trying to get around 3 players. He then goes for the tackle but instead of a good form tackle, he arm tackles and the running back continues up field from there.

Lastly, the second clip is against Jacksonville. Aligned in a ’20’ (head up over the guard), you can see Long’s initial steps go to his right. Much of that is due to him falling for the “eye candy” that is the pulling right guard. Fortunately, he recovers nicely due to his ability to change direction, get over the top and meet the running back in the C-gap.

So as you can see, there’s some pretty good play from Long and then there’s some head scratching plays. That tends to be the case for any player who ends up getting released during the middle of the season.

Early in the year against the Jaguars and Bills, it’s evident that Long was playing like his old self. However, he suffered a hamstring injury against the Seattle Seahawks in week 3 and he hasn’t looked right ever since. That could be causing him to play with that hesitation or that could be why he just looks slow on tape at times.

Fortunately, Long comes to a place like Detroit where they just get the best out of their players. They made it work with Charles Harris for two years. Defensive lineman John Cominsky looked like he was on his way out of the league but he’s been with the Lions for three seasons. It’s just how this team is coached and you better believe that David Long will be held to a high standard.

The Lions play the Indianapolis Colts this week and then have a quick turnaround to play the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. If I had to guess, it’s unlikely that we’ll see Long play for the Lions during those two games. However, we could see him suit up against the Green Bay Packers in three weeks or potentially the Buffalo Bills the game after that. Regardless, it’ll take some time for him to get adjusted to the Lions defensive scheme.

While the Lions continue to battle through injuries on defense, they still push forward to the best record in the NFL and NFC. By adding David Long, the Lions could certainly use him for that late season push.

Derrick Barnes talks about his knee injury and next NFL contract

Lions LB Derrick Barnes talks about his knee injury and next NFL contract

For the first time since suffering a major knee injury in Detroit’s Week 3 win in Arizona, starting SAM LB Derrick Barnes met with the media. Barnes told reporters more specifics about the injury and his progress in recovery from surgery.

“ACL was fine,” Barnes said, noting that he did tear the PCL and MCL in his right knee on the play. “Thank God I woke up and he said he didn’t have to do anything with the ACL.”

Barnes is progressing, but it’s arduously slow. He just started riding a stationary bike and won’t be cleared for weight-bearing exercise for weeks. The 25-year-old won’t be one of the players the Lions aim to bring back if (when) the team goes on a deep playoff run.

“I didn’t know I was going to be able to ride the bike today,” Barnes said. “Got on the bike, a little bit of walking inside the water, which was good for me. And my leg’s been super stiff and today is the first day I felt kind of normal and it’s been pretty well.”

It’s a contract year for Barnes, and he was poised to cash in on his steadily improving play. The injury puts a major kink in that chain of events, though Barnes doesn’t seem too concerned about his next NFL payday,

“I’m a God-fearing man and I believe in the Lord and the things he’s got for me.”

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Dan Campbell ‘fired up’ at the Lions new SAM linebacker

Dan Campbell ‘fired up’ at the Lions new SAM linebacker, local product Trevor Nowaske

Now that it appears the injury to Detroit SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes could very well be a season-ender, the Lions are working on filling Barnes’ considerable shoes in the defensive front. The bye week helped head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions identify their top replacement.

No, it’s not from the outside. The Lions are planning on filling the hole internally with Trevor Nowaske, who was claimed off waivers at the roster cutdowns from the Arizona Cardinals.

Nowaske played in Detroit in 2023 as an undrafted rookie from D-II Saginaw Valley State, but the Cardinals poached him when the Lions had to finagle a roster move during the season. Detroit returned the favor in reclaiming the athletically superb Nowaske, a Detroit-area (Canton) native.

Campbell seems quite intrigued and excited by the prospect of Nowaske stepping into Barnes’ role.

“Yep, we like Now,” Campbell enthused before Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 6. “We were fired up to get him back here. And certainly, that’s the role that we see him in is that SAM linebacker, some of the X on the third down position. So, I think yes there’s a place for him there and we just keep working with him. That’s the best way to say it.”

Campbell continued,

“He’s still a young player, he’s a developing player, and I think the best way to answer – we’re going to need all those guys and we’re going to use everything in our arsenal, especially in the linebacker room.”

Nowaske got a taste of action in the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Seahawks, playing 11 snaps–all in the basic Barnes role of SAM backer. That’s a specialized role in Aaron Glenn’s defense that primarily involves rushing the passer from a stand-up LB position, but also coverage drops and run blitzes/fills. It requires athleticism and quick reactions, two things Nowaske has shown in brief chances with both the Lions and Cardinals.

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week on the status of Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, Derrick Barnes and more from the bye week

Good news and bad news came out of Dan Campbell’s press conference on the Monday after the bye.

GOOD NEWS: Regarding the status of Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, “They were both out there practicing today. As of right now, they look good.”

BAD NEWS: Regarding Derrick Barnes potential return, “It’s tough to say right now. We will be fortunate to get him at any point this year.”

With this information, here is my updated analysis of these players’ injuries:

Frank Ragnow left pec strain

Ragnow hurt his pec two weeks ago on September 22 with an expected short-term recovery. With the news that Ragnow is already practicing, that’s further evidence that the pec strain was not severe and may not have even involved the tendon. Expect him to play vs the Cowboys.

Brian Branch concussion/illness

Branch’s concussion was two weeks ago on September 22. He had cleared the protocol and was set to play last Monday night, but an unspecified illness the day prior sidelined him. Just speculating here, but there may have been a concern that some of the illness symptoms were possible post-concussion symptoms so giving him a game off was a “better-safe-than-sorry” move.

His doubtful designation (vs out) for last Monday implied that the illness was nothing long-term, thus neither the concussion nor the illness was expected to keep him out for the next game. With Branch practicing today, that means there have been no setbacks and he should play vs the Cowboys.

Derrick Barnes right knee

Barnes injury was on September 22 and video suggested a possible MCL sprain or more. Campbell’s comments today are not optimistic but there is still a chance Barnes could be back this year. It’s not a complete ACL tear as there would be no talk of a return.

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return for players like Frank Ragnow, Derrick Barnes, Ifeatu Melifonwu and more

With four games in the books and entering the bye week, it’s a good time to recap where the Lions are at from a medical standpoint. Overall, despite some injuries, the Lions are in good shape coming out of the bye.

Not listed here are a couple pending concerns from the Seahawks game in Kerby Joseph and Carlton Davis (see my postgame article for details).

MAJOR LOSSES

Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport missed game two due to a groin injury and game four due to a left elbow injury. The elbow is expected to be a season-ender.

Signed to a 1-year contract as a free agent, the Lions were hoping that Davenport would solidify the edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

With Davenport out, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have increased opportunities.

Derrick Barnes, LB

This versatile LB took a direct impact on his right knee in game three, which may have caused a hyperextension, MCL sprain, and possibly more. He was placed on IR after the game.

The earliest he could return is Week 9 vs the Packers, but he’s expected to be out longer than that with the possibility it’s even a season-ender.

With Barnes out, Malcolm Rodriguez and Ben Niemann saw a big increase in snaps at the LB position against the Seahawks.

MINOR LOSSES

Frank Ragnow, C

This 2nd-team All-Pro is a major player, but he’s in the minor category because his left pec injury is not expected to be a long-term issue. He hurt the pec early in game three and missed game four.

The diagnosis is a partially-torn pec which translates to a grade 1 or 2 strain. If the strain is mild and does not involve the tendon, Ragnow could be back after the bye vs the Cowboys. Even if a longer recovery is needed, I would not expect him to be out much longer than that. He was not placed on IR which suggests an injury of less than four weeks.

To fill Ragnow’s void, Graham Glasgow moved from LG to C, and Kayode Awosika inserted at LG. Both played well against the Seahawks.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, S

A persistent ankle issue landed Melifonwu on IR before game four. The injury suffered likely in the second preseason game on August 17 was not initially expected to be a long-term issue, otherwise the Lions would have put him on IR much sooner. Melifonwu’s earliest possible return is in week nine vs the Packers.

If starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph stay healthy, Melifonwu’s absence is not a major problem. But if either go down, it would be valuable to have Melifonwu who made numerous splash plays in the second half of last season.

REINFORCEMENTS COMING SOON

Brodric Martin, DT

This 2023 3rd-round pick hyperextended his right knee on August 24 and was placed on IR at the 53-man cutdown. This means he could return to the team at any time now although Dan Campbell’s comments suggest he is not quite ready yet. I would expect him to start practicing sometime in the next three weeks.

With the loss of Davenport for the year, having Martin available on the defensive line will give the Lions more flexibility if they choose to play Levi Onwuzurike at the DE position.

Christian Mahogany, OG

The Lions 6th-round pick missed all of camp due to mononucleosis and started the season on NFI (non-football-injury). He is now eligible to return anytime and Dan Campbell says he is close.

His mono was likely diagnosed around July 20 and is typically a 3-4 week recovery unless there are complications like persistent splenomegaly. He was able to resume training before the start of the regular season which was a good sign.

Mahogany’s return is dependent on his strength, conditioning, and mental readiness. For a rookie who missed all of camp, the mental game might be the limiting factor.

I’m not expecting Mahogany to play much of a role this season, but any injuries to the guys ahead of him could change things in a hurry.

LONG RANGE HOPEFULS

Emmanuel Moseley, CB

After two straight ACL tears, Moseley tore his pec around August 5 this year. Assuming this was a complete rupture, expect a return around Thanksgiving if he follows the same 16-week timeline as CJ Gardner-Johnson of last year.

John Cominsky, DT/DE

An MCL tear on July 30 was complicated enough to require surgery. The initial estimated recovery was 5-6 months which would mean a return in January-February. Optimistically, the fact that Cominsky made the initial 53-man roster before being placed on IR means the Lions think there is a chance of a return this year.

Lions injury videos from the Cardinals game

Breaking down when the Lions injuries occurred and how they happened in the Week 3 win in Arizona

Unfortunately, the Lions suffered many injuries in the Cardinals game. Some were obvious at the time, some were not. Credit the players for battling through.

Here are the injury videos in chronological order. The initial injury report won’t be out until Thursday, so we’ll get more clarity then and hopefully won’t have any more surprises.

Dan Skipper 1q 14:16 right torso

Skipper might have landed on the defender’s elbow which could have caused a rib or torso contusion/strain. He was able to finish the game.

Terrion Arnold 1q 6:07 right knee

Hopefully, this is just a simple knee contusion but a mild sprain is possible. Arnold returned to the game and played well.

Ragnow 1q 1:51 left pec strain

Ragnow finished the game and was wearing a brace in the second half. See my article for more details about his outlook. 

Derrick Barnes 2q 12:07 right knee

Barnes left the game and has been placed on IR. Video suggests it could be an MCL sprain.

Sam LaPorta 2q 00:29 right low ankle sprain

Good chance LaPorta will be available on Monday but ankle won’t be fully healed.

Alim McNeill 2q 00:17 shoulder

McNeill might have hurt his left AC joint when he landed on the ground. Dan Campbell called it day-to-day.

Marcus Davenport 3q 6:45 left elbow

Video showed Davenport’s forearm getting chopped down while his elbow was in flexion. This could cause an elbow flexor tendon tear of the biceps or brachialis. He continued to try to play with an elbow brace but was hampered. He has been placed on IR and reportedly is out for the season.

Brian Branch 4q 6:06 concussion

Hopefully, we see Branch have a limited practice on Thursday but taking a game off might be a good idea.

Lions place 2 defensive starters on I.R., sign WR Tim Patrick to the active roster

The Detroit Lions place 2 defensive starters on I.R. and sign WR Tim Patrick to the active roster

Tuesday tends to be roster move day for the Detroit Lions, and that proved true even in an odd week where Tuesday is Monday, thanks to the schedule.

On a Tuesday where there was activity in Allen Park due to the Lions playing on Monday Night Football next week, the team made a couple of expected roster moves. Linebacker Derrick Barnes and EDGE Marcus Davenport were placed on injured reserve with injuries suffered in Detroit’s Week 3 win over the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday.

Davenport is expected to miss the rest of the season. Barnes has some chance of playing later in the year, based on head coach Dan Campbell’s comments.

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With one of the roster openings, the Lions signed veteran WR Tim Patrick from the practice squad to the active roster. Patrick had been a game-day elevation in the past two games and was widely expected to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

The other opening remains vacant for now. However, the Lions did sign rookie DB Morice Norris to the practice squad. Norris made some positive noise early in training camp as an undrafted free agent from Fresno State, and he can play cornerback or safety.

Lions Monday medical update for several players injured in Week 3 win

Lions Monday medical update for several players injured in Week 3 win, including Sam LaPorta, Alim McNeill, Derrick Barnes and more

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

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

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

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.