The Detroit Lions have placed linebacker Zach Cunningham on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday. Cunningham had been dealing with a hamstring injury but was a full participant at practice last week. According to coach Dan Campbell, the team doesn’t expect Cunningham to be out for a short period, with a minimum absence of four games.

Cunningham’s Injury Timeline

Cunningham’s hamstring injury has been a concern for the Lions, and his placement on injured reserve comes as a blow to the team’s defense. Although he was active for the team’s recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his condition worsened, leading to his current status.

Impact on the Team

The absence of Cunningham will be felt on the field, particularly with Alex Anzalone already out with a broken forearm. Anzalone, who suffered the injury in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, is expected to miss six to eight weeks. To fill the void left by Cunningham and Anzalone, the Lions signed veteran linebacker David Long to their practice squad. Long brings a wealth of experience, having played in 75 games and started 49 of them for the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins.

David Long’s Profile

Long is a well-rounded linebacker who can contribute on special teams and has shown his ability as a run defender, earning PFF run defense grades of 89.0 in 2022 and 92.6 in 2023. Despite being considered undersized at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, Long’s skills and experience make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ defense.

Coach Dan Campbell’s Perspective

Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of staying focused and urgent in their approach, especially with the current injury situation. He noted that the team’s defense has been able to step up despite missing several players, and they’re confident in their ability to adapt. Campbell also praised the new players who have joined the team, saying they’ve gotten reps and are prepared to play.

Upcoming Games

The Lions’ next game is against the Minnesota Vikings on November 2, 2025, at Ford Field. With Cunningham out, the team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the gap. Given the current injury landscape, the Lions will have to be creative and strategic in their lineup decisions.

The Detroit Lions’ injury report is a reminder of the physical demands of the NFL and the importance of having a deep and talented roster. With Cunningham and Anzalone out, the team will need to rally behind their players and come up with innovative solutions to succeed ¹ ².