Detroit Lions Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Buccaneers Game

Detroit, MI — During a press conference on Tuesday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell provided updates on multiple player injuries as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

One of the players in question is safety Kerby Joseph, who is dealing with a knee injury that has limited his performance in recent weeks. Campbell noted that Joseph’s situation is similar to that of another lineman, Taylor Decker, who has been sidelined to recover from shoulder issues. ‘We saw the game the other day. He tried to gut through it, but it wasn’t his best performance,’ Campbell said. Joseph’s availability for the Buccaneers game remains uncertain.

Another key player is defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who is on the Physically Unable to Perform list following an ACL injury last year. Campbell mentioned that McNeill has made progress in practice over the past two weeks. ‘He’s getting more comfortable, legs are under him,’ Campbell said. ‘So I think we’re all hopeful.’ Campbell is optimistic about McNeill’s chances of playing this week, estimating them at around 58 percent.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold and safety Avonte Maddox are both expected to sit out the game against the Buccaneers due to shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively. Campbell indicated that they are likely to return after the team’s bye week.

Defensive end Marcus Davenport is eligible to return from injured reserve but is not yet ready according to Campbell. ‘He’s doing well, he’s getting better,’ Campbell noted, but made it clear that Davenport won’t be back prior to the bye.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is also recovering from a recent clean-up procedure on his ACL. Campbell noted he could return to practice shortly after the bye week. Overall, the Lions are facing challenges in their secondary, with injuries affecting key players.

Campbell concluded that the team is hopeful about the health of players like Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph ahead of their upcoming matchup. ‘We’re going to get him to the game, but we’ll see,’ he said when discussing Branch’s condition.