Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (28) runs in for a touchdown, during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

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Detroit Lions’ injury woes deepen: Dream season marred by key injuries after Week 15 loss ft. Khalil Dorsey, Carlton Davis III

Lions' injuries pile up in Week 15 defeat

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (28) runs in for a touchdown, during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

The Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes took a major hit during their 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. Alongside the defeat, the Lions lost key defensive players Carlton Davis III, Khalil Dorsey, and Alim McNeill to serious injuries.

These setbacks further deplete a defense already reeling from earlier losses, including Aidan Hutchinson. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed little optimism about Davis or McNeill returning this season, calling it a “tough blow” to a team fighting to maintain its position in the NFC.

Carlton Davis and Khalil Dorsey sidelined

The Lions’ secondary took a massive hit as Carlton Davis III and Khalil Dorsey exited the game in the first half. Davis, who has been a stabilizing presence in Detroit’s defense, went down with a jaw injury during a tackle.

The Lions have been the unluckiest team in the NFL this year with injuries. Alim McNeill limping off like he knows something is very wrong. Can’t make it up.
— Con (@313_Con) December 15, 2024

He was initially listed as questionable but was ruled out after undergoing concussion protocol. Head coach Dan Campbell later suggested the injury might end Davis’ season, saying, “If I’m saying I don’t feel good, that means not good for the rest of the year.”

Dorsey’s situation was even more grim. The backup cornerback and special teams contributor suffered a gruesome leg injury during a collision near the end zone. Trainers immobilized his leg on the field before carting him off, and Campbell confirmed he’s out for the season.

Alim McNeill adds to defensive woes

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, a key piece of Detroit’s front line, joined the list of casualties. McNeill injured his knee while trying to disrupt a pass from Josh Allen. His frustration on the sideline said it all. Campbell didn’t mince words about McNeill’s prospects, saying, “I don’t feel good about either one of those guys.”

Josh Allen exposes Lions’ defensive cracks

Josh Allen and the Bills didn’t just win—they dismantled Detroit’s defense. Allen threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns while adding 68 rushing yards and two more scores. The Lions’ pass rush barely touched him, registering only three QB hits. Detroit’s secondary, reeling from injuries, had no answers.

James Cook shredded the Lions on the ground with 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Ty Johnson added 114 receiving yards on just five catches.

#Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters that he fears injuries to standout DL Alim McNeill (knee) and CB Carlton Davis (jaw) are season-ending.

More hits for a defense that has seen more than its share of injuries. pic.twitter.com/IjPPkrF4zB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024

Detroit has the most defensive players on injured reserve in the NFL, and it showed. Missing Aidan Hutchinson, their top pass rusher, the Lions couldn’t generate pressure or force mistakes. As Campbell admitted, “We wanted to handle him better, and we just didn’t. You can’t give that team anything, and I feel like we helped them a little bit.”

Injured Reserve: The Lions’ defense is running on fumes

Feels like Detroit’s been living on borrowed time. The Lions have had a revolving door at the defensive line since Day 1, losing starters left and right. Yet somehow, they’ve pieced together wins with aggressive offense and creative defensive schemes.

Here’s the current injury graveyard:

Edge Aidan Hutchinson (leg)
Edge Marcus Davenport (triceps)
Linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee)
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck)
Linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm)
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee)
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu
Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (knee)
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond (foot)
Defensive lineman John Cominsky (knee)
Defensive tackle Kyle Peko (pectoral)

Detroit Lions’ Comprehensive Injury Report

Date	Player	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Sun, Dec 15	Giovanni Manu	OL	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Colby Sorsdal	G	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Emmanuel Moseley	DB	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Trevor Nowaske	LB	Concussion	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Carlton Davis	CB	Jaw	Questionable for Week 16 at Chicago
Sun, Dec 15	Khalil Dorsey	DB	Ankle	Questionable for Week 16 at Chicago
Sun, Dec 15	Kayode Awosika	G	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Myles Adams	DT	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Sun, Dec 15	Alim McNeill	DT	Knee	Questionable for Week 16 at Chicago
Sun, Dec 15	Brodric Martin	DT	Coach’s Decision	Inactive for Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Wed, Dec 11	Jalen Reeves-Maybin	LB	Neck	IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Wk 16
Sat, Nov 30	Mekhi Wingo	DT	Knee	IR. Injured Reserve
Sat, Nov 30	Malcolm Rodriguez	LB	Knee – ACL	IR. Injured Reserve
Wed, Nov 27	Kalif Raymond	WR	Foot	IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Wk 17
Wed, Nov 27	Derrick Barnes	LB	Knee – MCL	IR. Injured Reserve
Sat, Nov 23	Ennis Rakestraw Jr.	CB	Hamstring	IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Wk 16
Tue, Nov 19	Ifeatu Melifonwu	SAF	Undisclosed	IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Wk 16
Mon, Nov 18	Alex Anzalone	MLB	Forearm	IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Wk 17
Wed, Oct 16	Mike Badgley	K	Hamstring	IR. Injured Reserve
Tue, Oct 15	Aidan Hutchinson	DE	Lower Leg	IR. Injured Reserve
Tue, Oct 15	Kyle Peko	NT	Pectoral	IR. Injured Reserve
Fri, Oct 4	John Cominsky	DE	Knee – MCL	IR. Injured Reserve
Fri, Sep 27	Nate Lynn	DE	Shoulder	IR. Injured Reserve
Tue, Sep 24	Marcus Davenport	DE	Triceps	IR. Injured Reserve
Sun, Sep 22	Netane Muti	OG	Shoulder	IR. Injured Reserve

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Natasha Bose

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