The Detroit Lions have won three straight games since their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but injuries have taken over on defense. D.J. Reed (hamstring) and Terrion Arnold (shoulder) both exited Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. While the Lions placed Reed on injured reserve, Arnold was a participant in Wednesday's practice and was once again on the field Thursday, providing a glimmer of hope for a banged-up secondary.
Cornerback Khalil Dorsey (concussion), who only played seven defensive snaps following the injuries to Reed and Arnold, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite that designation, Dorsey did return to practice on Thursday, per Jeremy Reisman, beat writer for Pride of Detroit. Running back Sione Vaki, left tackle Taylor Decker, linebacker Zach Cunningham, and safety Kerby Joseph were the only players not seen at practice on Thursday.
Detroit Lions Get More Positive Secondary News Ahead of Week 5
With Reed out of action and Joseph (knee) questionable for Sunday, the Lions will certainly take anything they can get, especially if it means Arnold, the 2024 first-round pick out of Alabama, and Dorsey have a chance of playing. Reed's 71.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranks 28th out of 164 qualified CBs, while Joseph's two interceptions are second among 130 safeties, leaving a huge void to fill depending on how much time both players miss.
While Arnold's 48.1 overall PFF grade and Dorsey's 55.3 overall grade are below average and certainly nothing to boast about, they can still provide a major boost to a team that is shorthanded due to injuries. As a former first-round pick, talent is not an issue for Arnold. So, if he can suit up, Detroit should feel a little more at ease with the potential for Joseph to be sidelined alongside Reed.
Offseason acquisitions Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox have not lived up to expectations as of yet on a defense that ranks 30th in yards per completion (12.1) and 25th in yards gained per pass attempt (7.6). Despite the struggles, the rash of injuries in the secondary has opened the door for them to step up. This is especially true for Maddox, who did more than enough during his previous stint with the Philadelphia Eagles to give the Lions some optimism.
Amik Robertson, who has also struggled thus far, is the only other healthy CB on Detroit's roster. This led to the Lions signing Nick Whiteside, who was previously released during final cuts following the preseason, to the practice squad. With as many players in the defensive backfield dealing with injuries as Detroit has at the moment, any player who is familiar enough with the defensive scheme to step in and even potentially contribute should be an option.
While a Bengals team that has been outscored 76-13 in their two games without QB Joe Burrow should present a favorable Week 5 matchup, it won't be a walk in the park for the Lions. With star wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the other side, there will still be some pressure to ensure the Lions do not allow them to run open and put their skills to use and get some momentum back on Cincinnati's side.
As we inch closer to Sunday's kickoff, it will become clearer who will be starting and who will be unavailable to play. For now, there is at least a chance that Arnold and Dorsey could both play based on the most recent practice updates. With a secondary as depleted as Detroit's is, the Lions will certainly take that after the way Week 4 played out.