The Detroit Lions just survived a hard-fought game in South Beach. Against all odds, Jeff Hafley's Miami Dolphins made it tough on the Lions' offense, holding Jared Goff scoreless and even picking him off.
Dan Campbell's team needed every single play and all hands on deck to pull off this one, though they ultimately took care of business with their fourth consecutive win of the season. Now, they must plan for another AFC East battle against the New England Patriots after the trade deadline.
However, beating the Dolphins wasn't the only positive of Sunday. According to CBS Sports' Melanie Collins, Jack Campbell is doing better. More than that, he's now determined to get back on the field as soon as he's cleared to do so.
Jack Campbell wants to return to the Detroit Lions once he gets back to full strength
"He is determined to get back on this football field, telling Dan Campbell: 'Just make sure the house is taken care of until I can get back,'" Collins said in her sideline report in Miami.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Campbell's return is imminent or that he'll be back out there soon. If anything, he might not be cleared to play again this season, as other guys we've seen have struggled with neck injuries.
That said, the mere fact that he's thinking about football right now is encouraging. Not only does that mean that doctors have already let him know that a return to the field is possible, but it also shows that suffering a potentially life-threatening injury didn't break his stride.
Now, it's all about getting back to full strength. The Lions' defense has been much better in recent weeks after a dreadful start to the season, and while the last two teams they've faced aren't necessarily known for their offensive prowess, they've still shown signs of improvement.
Even if that weren't the case, the Lions would have no business trying to rush Campbell back to the field. Yes, he's an instrumental part of Kevin Sheppard's defense, but he's a human being first and foremost, and his post-football life is much more important than anything he can give this team on the gridiron.
The Lions are trending in the right direction, and they look like a legitimate Super Bowl threat. They will get Kerby Joseph back soon, and they may even add more firepower to their defense before the November 10 trade deadline.
Judging by what they've shown over the past month, they can definitely hold down the fort in Campbell's absence. He just has to focus on getting healthy; his teammates will be waiting for him with open arms.
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