Lions injury updates: Dan Campbell shares latest playoff statuses of 8 players

as Detroit Lions prepare for the playoffs, the hope is that they will get some of their injured players back at some point in the postseason, whether it’s Detroit’s first game in the divisional round or later.

The Lions clinched the top seed in the NFC with a win Minnesota Vikings in Week 18, which is huge for players dealing with injuries. It also means the Lions will have to play one less playoff game without some of their best players.

But who exactly can we expect to see when they return in the postseason? And when can we expect them to return? Well, head coach Dan Campbell shed some light on those questions with some updates on the health of key players on Tuesday.

Here’s what he revealed.

David Montgomery health update

Campbell says it’s running back David Montgomery, who is is struggling with a knee injury which was initially expected to end his season, will indeed return for the divisional round, according to Colton Pency of The Athletic.

“Dan Campbell says he expects RB David Montgomery to start next week in the divisional round,” Pouncy wrote. “Great news.”

Terrion Arnold injury update

Campbell says cornerback Terrion Arnold has received good news on the injury that sidelined him early in Week 18, but he’s not sure if the rookie will suit up next week, per Campbell. Pride of Detroit.

Arnold suffered a foot injury against the Vikings, but X-rays came back negative and the Lions defenseman was optimistic that he would be ready to play when speaking to reporters on Sunday evening. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

“I don’t! No,” Arnold replied when asked if he was going to sit down. “I’m a fighter. I’ll do everything in my power to go out there with my boys.”

Kevin Zeitler’s health update

Like Arnold, the Lions received good news on goaltender Kevin Zeitler, who was dealing with a hamstring issue in the win over Minnesota. However, according to Campbell, it is uncertain whether Zeitler will play Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News..

Carlton Davis health update

According to Richard Silva of the Detroit News.Campbell doesn’t expect defenseman Carlton Davis to return to the playoffs. Davis he suffered a broken jaw in Week 15 and was given a six-week return period, which appeared to allow him to return to the NFC Championship Game. Campbell doesn’t see that happening, nor does he see Davis returning to the Super Bowl.

Derrick Barnes health update

Linebacker Derrick Barnes he tore ligaments in his knee at the beginning of the season and there was hope that he might make it back to the Super Bowl. Campbell hushed up the decision and said he didn’t think it would happen.

“They are doing great,” Campbell said of Davis and Barnes, according to Silva. “I don’t see them coming back at all.”

Aidan Hutchinson’s health update

Lions star Aidan Hutchinson said he is targeting the Super Bowl as his return date after breaking his tibia and fibula.

“I am well on my way to achieving my goal of returning to the Super Bowl.” Hutchinson said. “That’s why I tell all the guys when I see them at the (Lions) facility, ‘you’ve got to get there. And I promise I will come back.”

However, Campbell didn’t seem like he expected Hutchinson to return, though it’s possible he’s just trying to temper expectations.

“He has a season-ending injury, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Aidan,” Campbell said. for Birkett.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Health Update

Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has been on injured reserve with a hamstring problem since Week 12. Campbell noted that the second-round pick is “stepping in the right direction” and he believes there is a chance he returns to the playoffs. Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers.

Pat O’Connor injury update

Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor he suffered a calf strain in week 18. Campbell said O’Connor’s test results were not positive and his status remains uncertain, according to Ben Raven of MLive.com.

MORE DETROIT Lions NEWS

An NFL analyst has a bizarre take on Amon-Ra St’s value. Brown

The Lions were urged to sign the former Pro Bowl linebacker to a $26 million contract for the playoffs

The Lions’ $14 million defenseman is expected to leave Detroit for the Bengals