The Detroit Lions came out on top in a physical battle in Arizona, besting the host Cardinals 20-13. Several Lions players suffered injuries during the Week 3 game.
DT Alim McNeill: The big man suffered an upper body injury on Arizona’s final drive of the second quarter. He was ruled out with a shoulder injury after the Cardinals’ first drive of the third quarter.
LB Derrick Barnes: Starting LB Derrick Barnes left with a knee injury very early in the game and was ruled out as the team returned to the field after halftime. He was injured on a cut block.
After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the injuries to McNeill and Barnes were not expected to be season-ending. Campbell said of McNeill and Branch’s injuries,
“I can’t say they’re not going to be long-term. But I don’t feel like it’s something where we’re worried about season-ending.”
TE Sam LaPorta: No. 87 left on a cart just before halftime, apparently injured on the Lions’ third touchdown of the first half while blocking near the end zone. He was spotted with ice on his lower left leg on the sidelines. LaPorta did return to the game but wasn’t involved in the game plan.
Initial belief is #Lions TE Sam LaPorta suffered a low ankle sprain, per source. Will undergo tests to determine severity, though.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 23, 2024
CB Terrion Arnold: Rookie CB Arnold left in the first half with a knee injury but returned two drives later. He played throughout the second half.
DL Levi Onwuzurike: The versatile lineman briefly left the game in the first quarter but returned on the next series after testing out his legs on the sideline.
S Brian Branch: Branch left after a violent helmet-to-helmet collision late in the game. The team announced shortly after the game that Branch is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.