Notable Injuries, News from Sunday’s Week 15 Games: Lions Defenders Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis Suffer Serious Injuries
The NFL’s Week 15 slate featured several significant injuries, including serious blows to two key members of the Detroit Lions’ defense. Here’s a roundup of the most notable injuries and news from Sunday’s games:
Lions Lose McNeill, Davis to Season-Ending Injuries
The Detroit Lions suffered a double whammy on Sunday when both defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis suffered season-ending injuries in the team’s 34-23 loss to the New York Jets. McNeill sustained a torn Achilles tendon, while Davis fractured his ankle. Both players will undergo surgery this week and are expected to miss the remainder of the 2022 season.
McNeill has been a key part of the Lions’ defensive line this season, starting 13 games and recording 3.0 sacks and 31 tackles. Davis, a midseason acquisition from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had quickly become a valuable asset to the Lions’ secondary, starting three games and registering two interceptions.
The Lions’ defense, which has struggled mightily this season, will now be without two of its most important players. The team has allowed the most points in the NFL this season (448) and is now facing an even more difficult task of containing opposing offenses.
Other Notable Injuries
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback Tom Brady suffered a sprained MCL in the team’s 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Brady is expected to miss several weeks, potentially putting the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes in jeopardy.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Running back Travis Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury in the team’s 36-22 win over the Houston Texans. Etienne is expected to miss the remainder of the season, a major blow to the Jaguars’ offense.
- Denver Broncos: Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy suffered a high ankle sprain in the team’s 24-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Jeudy is expected to miss multiple games, further depleting the Broncos’ already thin receiving corps.
- Baltimore Ravens: Running back Gus Edwards suffered a torn ACL in the team’s 16-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. Edwards has been a key part of the Ravens’ running game this season, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
Playoff Picture Update
The injuries to Brady and Etienne could have significant implications for the NFL playoff picture. The Buccaneers, who are currently 6-8, are now facing an uphill battle to reach the postseason. The Jaguars, who are 7-7, are also in danger of missing the playoffs with Etienne out for the season.
The Ravens, who improved to 9-5 with their win over the Browns, are now in a strong position to secure a playoff berth. The Broncos, who fell to 4-10 with their loss to the Cardinals, are all but eliminated from playoff contention.