The Detroit Lions are already dealing with a horrendous start to the season on the defensive side of the ball. The need to improve on the secondary is obvious, and things just got more complicated after Dan Campbell's injury update on Monday.
During Detroit's embarrassing performance against the Bills on Thursday, starting safety Avonte Maddox was carted off with a foot injury in the second quarter. When he was seen leaving the locker room in a boot and Campbell said he was "nervous" about Maddox' outlook, many feared the worst.
Those fears were confirmed. Campbell said that the veteran defensive back will require season-ending surgery, per the Lions official account.
Avonte Maddox's season-ending injury complicates things for the Lions
This is a devastating development for the 30-year-old defender who had a chance to play a large role in the absence of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. He clearly had the trust of the coaching staff and the front office, who refused to make an addition over Maddox. The veteran defender was solid in his limited snaps last season, earning himself this larger role. But unfortunately, his season, and potentially his Lions tenure, has come to a premature end.
This is a tough break for the Lions as well. Especially since this was a freak accident of Maddox crashing into fellow safety Chuck Clark, it's difficult not to feel bad for everyone involved.
Detroit now has a clear need to make personnel changes. This explains why they are hosting several veteran defenders, including Mike Edwards, Jordan Fuller, and former Lion Jalen Mills. One can expect Detroit to add one of these defensive backs before Week 3.
Christian Izien and Thomas Harper will likely get the majority of Maddox's snaps, but there should be a competition for the starting spot until Joseph and Branch return. Even though they are technically only out for the first four weeks of the season, the expectation is that they will be out for longer.
Detroit brought in depth pieces to the defensive backfield this offseason. They signed Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and Roger McCreary, who are playing significant roles early in the season. They also drafted Keith Abney, but few Lions fans thought that these were sufficient in the midst of the injuries.
Now, Detroit's depth will really be tested. Kelvin Sheppard is officially on thin ice, and his seat may get red-hot if he can't turn things around with this personnel. Whether GM Brad Holmes can do enough to help him in free agency or the trade market remains to be seen.
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