The hits keep coming for Detroit’s defense, which will now be down two more players as the club enters the postseason.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, defensive lineman Alim McNeill suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, which will end his season. And cornerback Carlton Davis suffered a fractured jaw that is expected to sideline him for six weeks.
McNeill, 24, was having a strong fourth season. He recorded 25 total tackles with 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits before suffering the injury.
Davis, 27, has posted 11 passes defensed with two interceptions, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. That he could be back in six weeks means he may return for the NFC championship game, should Detroit advance that far in the postseason.
But these are two more significant losses for a Detroit defense that has seen several players go down over the course of the season.
At 12-2 following Sunday’s loss to the Bills, the Lions will be on the road in Week 16 to play the Bears.
