The Detroit Lions are preparing for a primetime showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, but they’re doing so with serious questions in their secondary. D.J. Reed is already on injured reserve after sustaining a hamstring issue in the Week 4 victory over the Cleveland Browns, and Terrion Arnold appeared to join the growing list after aggravating a shoulder injury during Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Arnold’s outlook seemed discouraging when he admitted to reporters that he’s been playing at roughly 75% health this season. Matters worsened when Dan Campbell told the media that Arnold “could be out a long time” following his early exit.
However, the Lions received encouraging news when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Arnold’s injury might not be as severe as initially feared. After getting a second opinion, one source told Schefter that Arnold could return “sooner than expected,” a development that might influence Detroit’s trade deadline decisions ahead of November 4.
Terrion Arnold’s Updated Status Could Shift Lions’ Deadline Priorities
As noted, Detroit’s secondary has been dealing with injuries throughout the season. Reed will miss at least three more games after landing on IR, and if Arnold had joined him, Detroit would have been left with Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and Avontae Maddox as their top corners.
That situation wouldn’t be ideal considering the upcoming schedule. In Week 6, the Lions face a Chiefs receiving corps featuring speedsters Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers follow with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Emeka Egbuka ready to test a thin Detroit unit.
The challenge would only intensify if Arnold remained sidelined, with Week 8 bringing matchups against Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the Minnesota Vikings. Further down the schedule, the Lions are set to face premier receivers such as Terry McLaurin of Washington, DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown of Philadelphia, and George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb from Pittsburgh and Dallas, respectively.
This situation had the Lions actively exploring the trade market for a potential replacement at cornerback. Yet if Arnold’s recovery allows him to return sooner, Detroit might hold off on adding outside help, waiting instead for both Arnold and Reed to heal. That would give general manager Brad Holmes flexibility to target other needs — possibly a pass rusher or starting left tackle — and trust the current secondary to hold up.
With the NFC North shaping up as one of the most competitive divisions in football, this update on Arnold represents the best possible news. It could keep the Lions on track for a third straight division crown and a legitimate playoff push into January.
