These are every player on injured reserve for the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions are grappling with an unusually high number of injuries this season, as nearly two dozen players have landed on injured reserve by Week 15 of the 2024 NFL campaign. The latest blow to the team came during their 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, where top defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a devastating torn ACL, officially ending his season.

This injury further depletes a Lions defense already riddled with absences. Among the sidelined is standout cornerback Carlton Davis III, who sustained a fractured jaw that will require surgery. According to an NFL Network report, Davis could potentially return if the Lions make it as far as the NFC Championship game, scheduled for January 26. However, his absence leaves a significant void in Detroit’s secondary for the foreseeable future.

Adding to the team’s woes is backup cornerback Khalil Dorsey, whose season was cut short by an ankle injury. This trio joins a lengthy list of defensive players who have been ruled out, including star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is recovering from a broken leg. While Lions head coach Dan Campbell remains hopeful for Hutchinson’s recovery, he expressed doubts about the defensive anchor being ready in time for a potential Super Bowl appearance in early 2025—a milestone the franchise has never reached.

The offensive unit hasn’t been spared either. Running back David Montgomery, a key component of Detroit’s rushing attack, is now facing the possibility of being sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Losing Montgomery would deal a significant blow to an offense already strained by injuries to key players across various positions.

### A Growing List of Casualties
The Lions’ injury report reads like a comprehensive list of their key contributors, highlighting the significant challenges the team has faced this season. According to the Lions’ official website, the following players are currently on injured reserve. For clarity, players expected to miss the rest of the season are marked with an asterisk (*):

#### Defensive Players:
– **DE Aidan Hutchinson*:** Sidelined with a broken leg, Hutchinson’s absence has been one of the most impactful losses for Detroit. As the cornerstone of their defensive line, his injury has left a noticeable gap in the team’s pass rush and run defense.
– **DT Alim McNeill*:** McNeill’s torn ACL, sustained in Week 15, has further decimated the Lions’ interior defensive line.
– **DT Kyle Peko*:** Out for the season with a pectoral injury, Peko’s absence has limited the team’s options for rotational depth.
– **DE Marcus Davenport*:** A torn triceps ended Davenport’s season prematurely, depriving the Lions of another versatile edge rusher.
– **DE John Cominsky:** Suffering from an MCL injury, Cominsky’s return remains uncertain, leaving another gap on the edge.
– **DT Mekhi Wingo:** A knee injury has kept Wingo sidelined, although the team has yet to officially rule him out for the season.
– **DE Nate Lynn*:** A shoulder injury has ended Lynn’s season, reducing the Lions’ already-thin defensive line depth.
– **DT David Bada*:** The Achilles tear that sidelined Bada early in the season has had long-term ramifications for the Lions’ defensive interior.

#### Linebackers:
– **LB Alex Anzalone:** With a broken arm, Anzalone’s return is uncertain. As a leader of the defense, his absence has been particularly challenging for the team.
– **LB Derrick Barnes*:** A combination of PCL and MCL injuries has sidelined Barnes for the rest of the season, creating a significant void at the linebacker position.
– **LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin:** Shoulder issues have kept Reeves-Maybin out, though he has not been officially ruled out for the season.
– **LB Malcolm Rodriguez*:** Rodriguez’s ACL injury is another season-ending blow, further depleting the Lions’ linebacking corps.

#### Secondary:
– **CB Carlton Davis:** While his fractured jaw requires surgery, there’s a slim chance Davis could return late in the postseason if the Lions advance far enough.
– **CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.:** A lingering hamstring injury has kept Rakestraw off the field, further weakening the secondary.
– **CB Khalil Dorsey*:** Dorsey’s ankle injury has officially ended his season, adding to the Lions’ mounting troubles in the defensive backfield.
– **S Ifeatu Melifonwu:** A broken finger has sidelined Melifonwu, whose absence further complicates the secondary’s depth chart.

#### Offensive Players:
– **WR Kalif Raymond:** A foot injury has limited Raymond, reducing Detroit’s options at wide receiver.
– **WR Antoine Green:** Suffering from a brain injury, Green’s timeline for return remains unclear.
– **OL Conner Galvin:** A knee injury has sidelined Galvin, further testing the Lions’ offensive line depth.
– **OL Netane Muti:** A shoulder injury has removed Muti from the lineup, creating challenges in protecting quarterback Jared Goff.

#### Special Teams:
– **K Michael Badgley:** The Lions’ kicker is dealing with a hamstring injury, forcing the team to rely on alternatives for field goals and extra points.

### The Domino Effect of Injuries
The cascade of injuries has had a profound impact on the Lions’ performance, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With so many key contributors out, Detroit’s defense has struggled to maintain its effectiveness, as evidenced by the 48 points surrendered to Buffalo in Week 15. The lack of depth has forced the coaching staff to rely heavily on less experienced players, exposing weaknesses that opposing teams have exploited.

On offense, injuries to Montgomery and key linemen like Conner Galvin and Netane Muti have disrupted the unit’s rhythm. While quarterback Jared Goff has performed admirably under pressure, the lack of protection and a diminished rushing attack have made it increasingly difficult for the Lions to sustain drives and control the clock.

### A Look Ahead
Despite their injury woes, the Lions remain in contention for a playoff spot, thanks in large part to the resilience of their remaining roster and the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. However, their path to success hinges on the ability of backups and practice squad players to step up in the absence of starters.

Campbell has emphasized the importance of a “next man up” mentality, urging his team to focus on what they can control. “We can’t dwell on who we’ve lost,” Campbell said in a recent press conference. “We’ve got to find a way to compete with the guys we have.”

The Lions’ ability to weather this storm will be tested in the coming weeks, as they face a challenging schedule that includes matchups against division rivals and other playoff contenders. For Detroit to achieve their postseason aspirations, they will need contributions from unheralded players and continued strong performances from their remaining stars.

### Final Thoughts
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL, and the Detroit Lions have been hit harder than most in 2024. With nearly two dozen players on injured reserve, including several season-ending losses, the team has faced significant adversity. However, their resilience and determination to fight through these challenges have kept them in the playoff hunt.

While the road ahead is daunting, the Lions have an opportunity to prove their mettle in the face of adversity. Whether they can overcome these obstacles and make a deep postseason run remains to be seen, but their journey has already highlighted the importance of depth, adaptability, and perseverance in the unforgiving world of professional football.