Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold got an encouraging second opinion on his shoulder injury and will avoid surgery, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.

Arnold is now projected to return sometime this season, with ESPN even suggesting that he could be back “sooner than expected” — potentially later this month.

That’s a significant improvement from the initial prognosis for Arnold, who was once believed to be out for the rest of the season.

Arnold, 22, suffered the injury in Detroit’s 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 and aggravated it during Sunday’s 37-24 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The setback comes after fellow cornerback D.J. Reed was placed on injured reserve last week due to a hamstring injury. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey is nursing a wrist issue, while Ennis Rakestraw had shoulder surgery in August and is sidelined for the year.

Arnold has started all five games this season, tallying 22 tackles and four passes defensed. The 2024 first-round pick has compiled 82 tackles, 14 passes defensed, and one fumble recovery in 21 games (20 starts) for Detroit.