The Detroit Lions were still buzzing over Monday’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens when Al-Quadin Muhammad popped up on the team’s injury report. The veteran edge rusher continued his breakout with a pair of sacks in the 38-31 victory, but had everyone holding their breath when he didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury.
After placing Marcus Davenport on injured reserve on Monday, Muhammad’s injury reawakened concerns about Detroit’s depth along the offensive line. But just before practice ramps up for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Muhammad told reporters, including Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, that he still expects to play in Week 4.
Muhammad Al-Quadin’s Injury Still an Underlying Concern for Lions
Muhammad’s breakout has been one of the biggest storylines for the Lions this season. A veteran who signed with the Lions' practice squad last November, Muhammad won a depth spot during training camp and stepped into a starting role when Davenport suffered a chest injury in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears.
According to Pro Football Focus, the 30-year-old capitalized by logging a sack and three pressures against the Bears and backed it up with five additional pressures in last week’s win against the Ravens. Muhammad capped off the whirlwind stretch by receiving a game ball from head coach Dan Campbell on Monday night, but his injury could throw a wrench into Detroit’s pass rush.
The Lions didn’t record a sack in the Week 1 loss to the Packers, and if Muhammad sits out, it would elevate either Tyrus Wheat or Pat O’Connor into the starting role. The Lions also have Andre Carter II on their practice squad, but it would be hard to imagine that he would step right into the starting lineup in time for Sunday’s game against the Browns.
This is something that the Lions should monitor as the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaches. But Muhammad’s confidence suggests it’s not something they’ll need to worry about in Week 4. With Browns star Joel Bitonio also dealing with a back injury, the Lions should have their full cabinet of pass-rushers at their disposal and turn in another strong performance on Sunday.