By Moses Joshua 
Detroit cautiously optimistic as thin secondary awaits clarity ahead of critical Week 16 matchup
The Detroit Lions absorbed yet another defensive scare Sunday when cornerback Amik Robertson injured his hand during the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With Detroit’s margin for error nearly gone, any injury carries weight—but head coach Dan Campbell offered a measured dose of optimism as the team turns its focus to Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Speaking Monday, Campbell made it clear that while nothing is guaranteed, Robertson’s status is trending in the right direction.
“He had a hand injury, we’ll see where it’s at,” Campbell said. “I’m hopeful, that he’ll be able to go. But, there again, we’ll know more in the next couple of days. It could affect him a little bit, but I think we’d like to believe he’s gonna have a chance to play.”
That chance, however, will depend on how Robertson responds throughout the week.
A Wait-and-See Week for Detroit
Robertson suffered the injury during Sunday’s game, and the Lions will spend the coming days monitoring swelling, grip strength, and overall functionality. Hand injuries can be tricky for defensive backs, especially those tasked with jamming receivers, shedding blocks, and finishing tackles in traffic.
For Detroit, practice participation will be the real indicator. Limited work early in the week could signal availability; any setback could force the Lions to reshuffle an already thin defensive backfield.
Why Robertson’s Availability Matters So Much
The importance of Robertson’s health goes beyond his stat line. With rookie Terrion Arnold already lost for the season, Detroit’s cornerback depth is stretched to the limit.
The current depth chart leaves little room for error:
- CB1: D.J. Reed
- CB2 / Nickel: Amik Robertson
- CB3: Rock Ya-Sin
- CB4: Khalil Dorsey
- NB2: Arthur Maulet
That’s the entire room—five corners total—with Robertson serving as the most versatile piece. In 14 games this season, he’s delivered production and physicality from multiple alignments, recording one interception, two pass breakups, 45 tackles, and five tackles for loss.
Without him, Detroit would be forced to lean heavily on Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey for extended snaps, while D.J. Reed would shoulder even more responsibility against opposing top receivers.
Defensive Stability Is Now Non-Negotiable
The Lions are firmly in must-win territory, and their secondary has already struggled with communication and explosive plays. Those issues were exposed again by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, making the idea of losing another starter particularly alarming.
A healthy Robertson provides immediate solutions. His presence stabilizes the nickel role, allows Reed to remain outside where he’s most effective, and prevents excessive snap counts for Ya-Sin and Dorsey. Just as importantly, Robertson brings a level of physicality in man coverage that Detroit can’t easily replace.
Bottom Line
Detroit’s playoff hopes are fragile, and keeping what remains of its defensive core intact is now a top priority. While Campbell’s tone suggested optimism, the final verdict on Robertson’s availability will come on the practice field.
There is hope—but for the Lions, health and execution must finally align.