The Detroit Lions got back on track with a blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Heading into the bye week, this was a much-needed boost. Another loss would have sent the Lions into ultimate chaos. Instead, they will have two weeks to further work on the issues that have been plaguing them and get healthier before they take on the Packers in Week 7.
Unfortunately, it wasn't all rosy on Sunday. The decisive victory was nice, but the Lions unfortunately lost two key veterans to potentially long-term injuries.
Lions lose Devin White & Tom Kennedy in the blowout win in Week 5
Linebacker Devin White was carted to the locker room in the first half. A forearm injury was mentioned on the broadcast, but we didn't catch a glimpse of how it happened. After the game, head coach Dan Campbell said that White broke his forearm and will require surgery.
Campbell said that it was very unfortunate because White was "doing some good things for us in the game." By the time he exited the game, White had played 16 defensive snaps. Trevor Nowaske and Malcolm Rodriguez replaced him and played the majority of the snaps in his place.
White will likely miss the rest of the season, barring a surprise new update.
Tom Kennedy will not miss as much time as White, but Campbell said his injury didn't look good. The veteran return specialist suffered a knee injury and headed to the blue tent before being carted to the locker room.
Campbell refused to put a clear timeline on Kennedy's injury, but said, "I don't think it's long, long-term. I think it is something where we will miss him for a little bit. We'll see," per Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman.
Kennedy had returned two punts for the Lions before exiting the game. Amon-Ra St. Brown took over as the punt returner for the rest of the game, but he struggled right away, fumbling the ball before it was recovered by the Lions.
The 30-year-old playmaker has had a large role on special teams once again, returning six punts and nine kickoffs so far this season. Jacob Saylors, who has been the team's main kick returner, may take on an expanded role in punt returns. Or the Lions could consider going with a different option. It's difficult to imagine the Lions risking St. Brown in that role going forward.
With White certainly landing on the injured reserve list and Kennedy potentially ending up there, the Lions could have additional roster spots to fill. Whether they sign someone from the practice squad or look at external options remains to be seen.
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