McNeill suffered an ACL tear, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Davis, in the meantime, is coping with a fractured jaw. Because of this, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports he might be out for the subsequent six weeks.
Each gamers exited Sunday’s recreation with their respective accidents, and head coach Dan Campbell expressed doubt that both of them can be out there the remainder of the way in which. That has been confirmed in McNeill’s case, and the information of his harm offers a big blow to Detroit’s defensive entrance (a unit that’s already extremely short-handed alongside the sting).
The 24-year-old posted 3.5 sacks this season, that means he would have had an opportunity at surpassing his earlier profession excessive of 5.0 — set final 12 months — had he remained wholesome. That is the primary main harm of his profession.
McNeill’s ACL tear comes shortly after he agreed to a four-year extension, a deal which made him one in all a number of affect gamers who’ve landed a brand new Lions contract just lately. The previous third-rounder was on observe to hit free company this spring earlier than that deal was labored out; his market worth little doubt would have been decrease given this harm had he and the group waited till the top of the marketing campaign to barter.
As an alternative, McNeill (who’s beneath contract by means of 2028 with an AAV of $24.25M) might be unavailable throughout Detroit’s closing regular-season video games and postseason run.
Schefter notes Davis will bear surgical procedure, and his rehab after that process might be key in figuring out if he can play once more this season. Rapoport’s six-week timeline would line Davis up precisely with the NFC title recreation if it have been to carry (and if, in fact, the Lions have been to progress to that time).
Within the meantime, the group will transfer ahead with a short-handed secondary whereas trying to earn the highest seed within the convention and the much-needed bye that will accompany it.
Davis was acquired through commerce as a part of Detroit’s efforts to provide improved play on the CB spot. The previous Buccaneer has delivered a pair of interceptions, 11 move deflections and two fumble recoveries in his debut Lions marketing campaign, making him a key determine on protection.
His absence might be felt over the closing weeks of the common season on a unit that already sits solely twenty sixth within the league in opposition to the move (and which misplaced Khalil Dorsey for the season on Sunday). The struggles in that division may very nicely proceed with Davis not being within the image.
The Lions have been atop the NFC for many of the 12 months, however they’ve been unable to generate a cushion given the power of the NFC North and the play of the Eagles. Detroit’s loss leaves the group even at 12-2 with Philadelphia; Minnesota would match that file with a win on Monday evening.
The race for the top seed within the convention will, subsequently, stay tight by means of to the top of the common season, however the Lions protection will more and more depend on backups over that span.
