When it rains, it has been pouring for the Detroit Lions' defense this season. Every day, Lions fans look at the injury report with concern that new names may have been added. On Thursday, they saw Avonte Maddox suddenly pop up on the injury report, deepening their concerns for the Lions' secondary.
In the official press release by the Lions, Maddox was listed as a limited participant with a hamstring injury. In addition to Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph, who didn't take part in the practice, and Brian Branch, who was also a limited participant in the last two days, this is a big problem.
Avonte Maddox's Injury Deepens Lions' Defensive Concerns
DJ Reed and Khalil Dorsey have already ended up on the injured reserve since the start of the season, leaving very few options in the defensive backfield for Kelvin Sheppard and Dan Campbell. As of now, Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin are the only healthy cornerbacks on the roster. Tre Flowers and newly signed Arthur Maulet will have a chance to get elevated to the active roster if these injuries persist through the weekend.
Prior to his addition to the injury report, Maddox was expected to start at nickel cornerback against the Chiefs, with Robertson and Ya-Sin on the outside. He played eight snaps there in Week 5 and looked solid in his limited opportunities. He was almost certainly due for an increased role before the surprise injury presumably changed Detroit's plans.
Since Maddox was still able to be a limited participant, the hamstring issue may not be too serious. Friday's final injury report will give us a better idea ahead of the game. Maddox will be an important part of the Lions' defense, not only because of his veteran competence, but also for his versatility.
Throughout his Eagles stint, Maddox was used all over the defensive backfield, including as an outside corner, slot, free safety, or in the box. This was a big reason why Philadelphia kept him around for seven seasons and consistently relied on him through multiple head coaches and defensive coordinators. Depending on the availability of Branch and Joseph, we could see a scenario in which Maddox lines up at safety.
Let's hope that it doesn't come to that. The Chiefs may be 2-3, but they still have an elite passing game that could exploit a short-handed Lions group. Coming away with a win with a depleted defensive unit would be a major statement by Dan Campbell and Co.