Lions’ Arnold Set to Miss Week 7 Matchup Against Buccaneers
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is expected to miss the upcoming Week 7 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Dan Campbell provided a detailed injury update during his Saturday press conference, shedding light on the status of several key players, including Arnold, safety Kerby Joseph, and offensive tackle Taylor Decker.
Arnold’s Recovery Timeline
Arnold’s journey back to health has been closely monitored since he sustained a shoulder injury during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Initial assessments raised concerns that the injury could be season-ending. However, optimism grew when Arnold resumed practice last Friday, just two weeks post-injury.
Despite this positive development, Campbell confirmed that Arnold will not be active for Monday’s game. “I don’t see him playing Monday,” Campbell stated. “That was just to get him out there moving around in individual drills. He still has a little bit to go to ensure he’s ready and can protect himself.” While Arnold is making progress, his absence will be felt on the field.
Joseph’s Status Uncertain
Safety Kerby Joseph is also facing uncertainty regarding his availability for the game. The Illinois product has been dealing with a lingering knee issue that has troubled him since training camp. Joseph has had to exit two of the last three games due to knee complications but managed to return each time. This week, however, he has not practiced, leading to speculation about his status.
Campbell explained the situation, saying, “We’ll reassess and see where he’s at. I know he’s doing a lot better, but we want to be smart with it. I don’t see him practicing today.” A decision on Joseph’s status may be finalized as soon as Saturday, adding a layer of intrigue to the Lions’ defensive lineup.
Decker’s Progress Indicates Possible Return
On a more positive note, offensive tackle Taylor Decker appears to be on the mend after missing the last two games due to a shoulder injury. Having played through discomfort earlier in the season, Decker was held out to ensure a full recovery. This week, he returned to the practice field, sparking hope for his participation against Tampa Bay.
While Decker will sit out of Saturday’s practice, Campbell expressed optimism about his trajectory. “He’s trending the right way. He looked good in practice yesterday,” Campbell noted. “I’m not going to practice him today, but he is going to move around and do some things with our Director of Player Health and Performance.”
Decker’s potential return would bolster the Lions’ offensive line, providing a much-needed boost as they prepare for a challenging matchup against the Buccaneers.
As the Lions navigate these injury challenges, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test in the high-stakes environment of a primetime game.
