Detroit Lions fans were given a rude awakening with an early estimated injury report listing breakout pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad as a DNP with a knee injury. It seems that the Lions simply cannot catch a break at a position that has been a struggle when it comes to keeping healthy options for the past two seasons. However, Detroit beat writer Justin Rodgers reported Muhammad expects to suit up on Sunday despite showing up in the estimated injury report. It is a sigh of relief for fans who were just growing excited over the emergence of the pass rusher.
Marcus Davenport remains on IR until at least Week 7, dealing with a pectoral injury. Both of these issues serve as a clear directive to the Detroit front office to continue adding pieces. The Lions cannot afford to ignore these issues and operate with limited depth on their defense. Even if Muhammad ends up being cleared to play in Week 4, the front office needs to bring in some additional help on the edge.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Injury Gives Lions Front Office Clear Directive
Muhammad is a perfect example of the kind of underrated talent the Lions' front office is capable of finding. And he proves that adding help doesn't need to be expensive. The edge rusher was a 6th-round pick who spent time with the Saints, Colts, Bears, and Cowboys before landing with the Lions' practice squad in 2024. You're not always going to be able to uncover hidden gems like this, but you also don't need every depth piece to be this much of a hit.
Playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson unquestionably has its advantages, and that is showing up in the stat sheet. So while there aren't any obvious targets on the market at the position, the Lions still need to remain active. Muhammad himself wasn't considered an "obvious target" by most before his signing in 2024.
It will also take some time for a new addition to learn the defense and for the coaching staff to become familiar with their game. So even if Muhammad is healthy this week, the time to bring in help is now — before the need is dire. Hutchinson and Muhammad are the only reliable options, and that's simply not going to cut it for a team looking to make a deep playoff push.
Last season's failure can be directly tied to endless injuries that racked the defense and left the Lions unable to get to Jayden Daniels in their lone playoff game. It was a lesson in injury luck as well as how important depth is. This is a lesson the Lions must learn from.
For Muhammad, it isn't a surprise that the Miami product is already talking about being on the field on Sunday. Refusing to miss a snap in what is already proving to be a breakout season for the exciting edge rusher.