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You would be hard pressed to find a unit that has been decimated by injuries as much as the Lions' defense. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has had a revolving door of personnel this year, but that didn't stop the team from posting 15 wins and earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
With that said, reinforcements could be on the way for the team's first playoff game on Saturday night, a divisional-round matchup against the Commanders at Ford Field.
The offense already knows that running back David Montgomery is most likely returning to the backfield, reuniting the dynamic 1-2 punch with Jahmyr Gibbs. However, as for the defense, a couple key secondary members could be on their way back for the game against Washington.
Here is more to know about the injuries on the Lions' defense and who is playing against the Commanders.
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Lions injury updates
Will Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. play vs. Commanders?
The Lions may be getting a key member of their secondary back for the playoffs. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has been out since late November after suffering a hamstring injury. He was placed on injured reserve and did not play the last seven contests in the regular season.
Campbell said on Jan. 7 there was "a chance" that Rakestraw would play in the playoffs, stating that he was "trending" in the right direction.
Detroit opened up the 21-day practice window for the second-round pick out of Missouri on Jan. 9, signaling a potential return to action. He posted a video on his X account that seemed to insinuate he had good news about his injury.
— Ennis Rakestraw Jr (@EnnisRakestraw) January 10, 2025The Lions have three weeks to elevate Rakestraw to the active roster, or he will remain on IR for the rest of the season. He did not practice on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Will Terrion Arnold play vs. Commanders?
Cornerback Terrion Arnold suffered a right foot injury during the Lions' Week 18 victory over the Vikings. He had to be carted off the field after suffering a contusion and was seen wearing a boot after the game.
Terrion Arnold right foot injury video
-Comes down hard with hyperextended toes and foot also twists
-Hope just mild hyperextended toes (turf toe) pic.twitter.com/szb3121vLR
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie cornerback was considered day-to-day after x-rays on the foot came back negative. Arnold was asked after the regular season finale if he thought his status for the playoffs was up in the air, but the first-round pick out of Alabama appeared adamant he would play.
"Of course," Arnold said when asked if he would play in the divisional round. "I'm a warrior. I'm going to do everything in my power to get out there with my guys."
Terrion Arnold was wearing a boot after the game but he does believe he will be able to play in the divisional round in a couple of weeks. pic.twitter.com/kZghq5Yu2K
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) January 6, 2025Considering Arnold was a full participant in practice on Jan. 14, he should be in the lineup against the Commanders barring any setbacks.
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Will Levi Onwuzurike play vs. Commanders?
Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike was another player that was hit with an injury in the final game of the regular season. He hurt his right ankle in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the field with the training staff. The fourth-year pro eventually returned to the game.
Onwuzurike was not featured at all on the initial injury report ahead of the divisional round, a sign he is good to go for Saturday night.
Levi Onwuzurike R leg injury video
-Uncertain injury. May have occurred offscreen. Appears to be reaching for R ankle. Already a R knee brace and R ankle wrap so may have aggravated existing injury.
-Returned to game pic.twitter.com/r08Tt8nUCN
Will Pat O'Connor play vs. Commanders?
Defensive end Pat O'Connor also suffered an injury in the Week 18 victory over the Vikings. He hurt his right calf on a rush in the third quarter and did not return to the game.
Pat O'Connor calf injury video
-Officially a calf. Can't see much on vid though.
-Appeared to me reaching for right leg. pic.twitter.com/J7EAJEArYC
On Jan. 7, Campbell appeared to be pessimistic about O'Connor's injury, stating that the team had "not as positive" news in comparison to the injuries to Arnold and offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, who also was hurt in the final regular season matchup.
It does not appear as though O'Connor will be available for the Lions against the Commanders. He did not practice on Jan. 14.
NFL DRAFT NEWS:
Will Aidan Hutchinson play vs. Commanders?
Star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been out since Week 6 after suffering a gruesome broken leg against the Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve and was considered to be out for the season.
He won't be available for the divisional-round contest against Washington. Hutchinson remains on injured reserve and the Lions would have to open his 21-day practice window as the first step to a potential return.
Aidan Hutchinson -
Look away if squeamish.
Concern for left Tibia/Fibula fracture after impact with his teammates shin.
Often see these in MMA with the shin block during leg kicks. Brutal injury.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/i493KtvET6
Hutchinson said in December on "The Squeeze" podcast that if the Lions made the Super Bowl, he was promising the team he would be back.
"I keep telling all the boys when I see them in the facility, I’m like ‘You guys just have to get there, and I promise you I’m gonna be back,'" Hutchinson said.
Campbell did hint at the time of the injury that he would "never count Hutch out", but admitted that the No. 2 pick from 2021 had a "long road" to recover.
Will Carlton Davis play vs. Commanders?
Lions cornerback Carlton Davis suffered a broken jaw in the first quarter of the team's loss to the Bills in Week 15. At the time, he was considered to be out indefinitely, leaving the door open for a potential return.
Carlton Davis jaw injury video
-Came out 2x, maybe related
-In 1st qtr, blow to L head. Grabs facemask after. Returned after 1 play.
-In 2nd qtr, presumably hits L head on tackle. Trainers looking at L jaw. Did not return. pic.twitter.com/GDcwYFURVv
While there was initial hope that Davis might be able to return for the conference championship, Campbell said on Jan. 7 that he "doesn't see [him] coming back at all" this season.
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