Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said cornerback Terrion Arnold delivered one of his “best games” during Sunday’s 37-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. However, it may be “a while” before the former Alabama All-American can build on that performance.
“I just thought he was very competitive,” Campbell said at his Monday press conference regarding Arnold’s effort. “He was calm, he was cool, and I thought this was one of the better games he’s played recently. He was really good. We put a lot on him, and he answered the call.
“So, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while. He’s going to be out for a long time.”
When asked if that meant Arnold’s season was over, Campbell replied: “I don’t know that, but it’ll be a while. It’s going to be a while.”
Campbell did not disclose the specifics of the injury.
On social media, Arnold posted on Monday: “God doesn’t make mistakes. I’ll be back.”
Arnold exited Sunday’s contest late in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. He also left Detroit’s 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 28 with a similar issue.
In between those games, Arnold was limited in Wednesday’s practice but returned fully for the rest of the week, according to the Lions’ injury report.
Following Sunday’s win, Arnold didn’t indicate he’d miss time, though he did mention he was playing at around “75 percent” because of the prior week’s injury.
“My focus is just getting the best treatment possible during the week,” Arnold said, “and going out there to let the chips fall where they may.”
Arnold is the latest Detroit cornerback to suffer an injury. D.J. Reed started alongside him for the first four games before landing on injured reserve last week. Khalil Dorsey is also sidelined with a wrist injury, and Ennis Rakestraw—drafted from Missouri in the second round after Arnold went in the first from Alabama—was placed on injured reserve during the preseason.
Arnold has appeared in 21 regular-season games and one playoff contest for Detroit, starting in 21 total.
Now 4-1, the Lions’ next matchup is a prime-time clash with the Kansas City Chiefs at 7:20 p.m. CDT Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. NBC will broadcast the game.
