The Detroit Lions faced significant setbacks in their loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“Nobody cares,” coach Dan Campbell said Monday. “Nobody is going to give us a pass, or put an asterisk next to your record.”
Running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill will both need season-ending knee surgeries after getting injured in the loss to Buffalo. Khalil Dorsey also had season-ending surgery Sunday night after breaking his leg during the game.
The Lions will also be without cornerback Carlton Davis III for an indefinite period, as he suffered a jaw injury in the 48-42 loss that ended their 11-game winning streak.
“We’re not sure how long it’s going to be, but I know that for the immediate future, I don’t see it,” Campbell said.
Detroit’s roster has been heavily affected by injuries, with 18 players now on injured reserve, and this latest wave will push the total beyond 20.
The Lions have lost six defensive starters from their Week 1 lineup, including defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who broke his leg two months ago at Dallas.
Despite these injuries, Detroit (12-2) has managed to win 11 straight games before falling to Buffalo.
The loss allowed Philadelphia to tie Detroit for the top spot in the NFC and gave Minnesota a chance to share first place in the NFC North with three games left in the regular season. The Vikings will face the Lions in the season finale at Detroit.
“Sometimes, you got to get punched in the face,” Campbell said. “This is good for us. We’re going to use this to our advantage and get ready for a division opponent on the road.”
The Lions will play at Chicago on Sunday. Montgomery will miss the chance to play against his former team and help Detroit push for a Super Bowl appearance for the first time in team history.
He played through his knee injury against the Bills, who held him to 4 yards rushing on five carries and four catches for 31 yards.
“David is so tough,” Campbell said. Montgomery rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns, sharing duties with the speedy Jahmyr Gibbs, and also had 36 receptions for 341 yards.
“We’re going to miss him,” Campbell said.
McNeill’s injury leaves a big gap on the defensive line, a group that already had seven players on injured reserve before he was hurt. He had seven tackles for losses, tied for the team lead with Hutchinson and linebacker Alex Anzalone, who is also on injured reserve.
Davis defended 11 passes, second on the team, and had two interceptions, ranking third.
Dorsey was one of the top tacklers on special teams and returned four kickoffs, including a 72-yard return that helped Detroit pull ahead in a tied game against Tennessee.
“Some guys are going to have an unbelievable opportunity,” Campbell said. “If you’re a guy on the practice squad or a young player who’s been waiting for a chance, now you’re about to get it.”
