By Blessing 
Lions Well-Positioned to Withstand Defensive Injuries Thanks to Veteran Depth
The Detroit Lions are facing another defensive injury storm — but unlike last year, this team seems equipped to weather it.
Detroit has now lost both starting cornerbacks, D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, in consecutive weeks. A year ago, that kind of blow would’ve caused major panic inside Allen Park. This time, though, there’s a sense of calm.
In 2024, the Lions’ defense was decimated by injuries around midseason. One defender after another went down, forcing a patched-together unit to limp into the playoffs. By the end, Detroit’s defense was running on fumes.
This season tells a different story. Despite a wave of unfortunate injuries, the Lions have the depth and veteran experience to stay competitive.
Losing Reed and Arnold certainly hurts in the short term. But thankfully, Detroit prepared for this moment. The front office signed veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin during the offseason, and his presence has already paid off. Ya-Sin, who has started 39 games in his career, filled in admirably against the Bengals — delivering a key pass breakup and recording three tackles in his first extended action.
And he’s not alone. The Lions also have Detroit native Avonte Maddox, a versatile defensive back who can line up at both corner and safety. Maddox brings championship experience, having started 41 career games and won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. In Week 5, he stepped in seamlessly with four tackles, proving he’s more than capable of stabilizing the secondary.
Of course, no one’s pretending that Reed and Arnold won’t be missed. Both have shown elite flashes in coverage and tackling. But together, Ya-Sin and Maddox form a veteran duo that can hold things together while the starters recover — a credit to Brad Holmes’ offseason planning.
Patience Over Panic
Detroit also caught a few lucky breaks with the severity of its injuries. Reed, who initially feared his season might be over due to a groin issue, is expected to return from injured reserve later this year. Meanwhile, Arnold’s shoulder injury isn’t as serious as first thought — doctors gave him a positive second opinion, keeping his 2025 return firmly in play.
That’s why the Lions should resist the urge to trade right now. With quality depth already in place, there’s no reason to sacrifice draft assets for players who might not be a real upgrade. Giving these veterans — and even younger backups — a chance to shine makes far more sense.
Last season, Detroit didn’t have the bodies to survive a defensive collapse. This year, they’ve built enough balance and resilience to stay afloat — even during this early run of injuries. Thanks to their veteran reinforcements, the Lions are positioned to keep roaring through adversity.