The Detroit Lions have been severely impacted by injuries, despite the NFL’s claim that overall injury rates have decreased this season.
Dan Campbell, head coach of the Lions, delivered a passionate message on 971 The Ticket’s “Costa & Jansen with Heather” show, showing confidence as the team struggles with adversity.
Meanwhile, several top quarterbacks are battling injuries.
Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an ankle sprain, Josh Allen has a sore shoulder, and Geno Smith is nursing a knee injury. These are just a few of the significant injuries in Week 15.
While many teams are facing injury issues, the Lions have been hit hardest, losing multiple key players. Injuries have proven to be a major factor in determining playoff success. The healthiest teams often perform the best in the postseason.
Mahomes, who has a mild high-ankle sprain, is still expected to play on Saturday when the Chiefs (13-1) face the Texans (9-5).
He’s played through similar injuries before, including in the 2022 playoffs when he helped Kansas City secure their first Super Bowl title.
Allen, after taking a few hard hits in Buffalo’s 48-42 win over Detroit, underwent a precautionary X-ray on his shoulder. The Bills (11-3) are in the hunt for the No. 1 seed if they win out and the Chiefs lose twice.
Geno Smith’s knee injury was less severe than expected, and the Seahawks (8-6) are relieved after tests showed no major damage.
They are tied with the Rams in the NFC West, and the division title could come down to their final game.
The Lions (12-2) have suffered the worst injury blow, with three key players suffering season-ending injuries and another starter lost indefinitely.
There have been 49 quarterbacks who have started games this season, with many teams relying on backups due to injuries or poor performance.
The NFL introduced a 17-game regular-season schedule in 2021 and is hoping to expand it to 18 games once the players’ union agrees. More games mean more opportunities for injuries. However, the league points to positive data to show a decrease in injuries.
According to NFL executive Jeff Miller,
injuries have dropped through 14 weeks compared to last season.
He highlighted that concussion rates are down, and injuries to lower extremities are also on the decline due to changes made in preseason and player acclimatization.
Miller also credited the improved use of five helmets rated as the best for protection, based on studies by the NFL and NFLPA. These helmets have shown lower injury rates compared to others.
In addition, the NFL’s new kickoff rules have led to a reduction in injury rates, particularly concussions and injuries to the lower body, due to a 20% reduction in impact speeds compared to the previous kickoff rules.
Despite these improvements, the teams that have lost key players due to injury heading into the playoffs are not feeling the benefits.
The Lions have been particularly hard-hit, with defensive players such as Aidan Hutchinson, David Montgomery, and Alim McNeill all suffering season-ending knee injuries.
Special teams player Khalil Dorsey underwent surgery after breaking his leg, while cornerback Carlton Davis is out indefinitely with a jaw injury.
The Lions already had 18 players on injured reserve, including 13 defensive players, such as edge rushers Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky and linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, while dealing with Mahomes’ injury, still have backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who is a former full-time starter with seven seasons of experience.
Wentz finished third in the MVP voting in 2017, but his season ended with a knee injury. Although not ideal, Wentz is still capable of succeeding in the Chiefs’ offense, as long as he avoids excessive risks.
Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt also suffered an ankle injury in the Steelers’ loss to Philadelphia, but coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic he won’t miss any games.
The Buffalo Bills are also dealing with injuries, including linebacker Matt Milano, who injured his groin against Detroit. Safety Taylor Rapp (neck/shoulder),
Damar Hamlin (back/ribs), and cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) were all out, but Coach Sean McDermott reported that they’re improving.
Finally, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is playing through a broken ring finger on his non-throwing hand, but it is not affecting his performance on the field.