The Detroit Lions feel like they are in a championship window, and a big reason is because of players like cornerback Terrion Arnold. That’s why there were big expectations for the Alabama product in his second year, as he was under the tutelage of free agent addition D.J. Reed and earned the praise of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
While things haven’t gone completely to plan, Arnold also validated that status, holding Jake Browning to a 63.2 passer rating when he was targeted in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. But just as Arnold was turning a corner, he may have slammed the brakes on the hype train, leaving the game due to a shoulder injury and admitting to reporters that he’s been playing “at 75%” due to injuries this season.
That value may have been revealed to be an overstatement on Monday when Dan Campbell told reporters, including The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, that Arnold will be out “for a long time.” While Campbell isn’t sure if the injury will be season-ending, it puts a further strain on the Lions' cornerback room and raises questions about the young corner’s future in Detroit.
Terrion Arnold’s Comments May Have Got Him Placed on IR
Arnold's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. The Bengals scored most of their points after Arnold left, highlighting just how important he is to the secondary. He limited Browning to three completions on six passes for only 28 yards. Unfortunately, that performance is overshadowed by his growing injury concerns.
Part of the issues may have stemmed from a groin injury suffered in the season-opening loss against the Green Bay Packers. But Arnold also suffered a shoulder injury that was aggravated in Sunday’s win over the Bengals. With both injuries becoming issues, Arnold made his comments to Woodward Sports, admitting he’s changed his playing style to adapt to his condition.
“My whole thing is just going out there, getting the best treatment I can during the week, go out there and let the chips fall where they may,” Arnold said via Woodward Sports. “It’s just more mental than anything, you know, just getting better at learning how to play smarter than harder. And then I got a good group of guys, just even being in a film room with guys like D.J., and just learning how to play more like a vet.”
While Arnold’s comments could be viewed as part of the acclimation process of a player trying to stick in the NFL for more than a few years, they also may have been viewed differently behind closed doors. When word of Arnold’s groin injury surfaced after the opener, Sheppard defiantly stated it was not an excuse for his performance.
“If you’re injured, come out of the game,” Sheppard said on Sept. 11, via Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network. “We’re not making any excuses. No, no, no. We’re not making any excuses. Just like if I have a play call that I shouldn’t have called, that’s on me. A player has a job to do; that’s on them... There won’t be any free rides this year.”
It’s unknown how much Arnold’s injuries contributed to his performance, but Sheppard’s comments may suggest the decision to pull him off the field may have been made for him. It’s also a tough break for the young corner as he’ll have two disappointing campaigns on his resume if his latest injury is indeed season-ending.
It means Arnold could go from promising prospect to lame duck if the Lions search for a replacement next offseason and leaves Detroit with a big hole to fill after the first third of the season.