D.J. Reed is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury and Kerby Joseph did not practice for the Detroit Lions on Wednesday because of a knee injury.
The Detroit Lions could have one of their starting cornerbacks back in the lineup for this week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, while another backup at the position is dealing with injury.
Terrion Arnold returned to practice Wednesday three days after injuring his shoulder in a win over the Cleveland Browns.
Arnold has had an inconsistent start to the season and was splitting first-team reps with Amik Robertson before his injury last week, but could be in line for a full complement of snaps against the Bengals if healthy.
The Lions (3-1) lost starting cornerback D.J. Reed to a hamstring injury against the Browns and backup Khalil Dorsey did not practice Wednesday.
Cincinnati (2-2) is without starting quarterback Joe Burrow but has one of the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
"Those guys are super-talented," Lions secondary coach Deshea Townsend said. "They can do it all. They can catch the hitch and go, they can catch the go for a touchdown, so you just got to know where they are at all times, make sure you’re super-sensitive to where they’re aligned. Just try to be where they at, at every moment and not slip on where those guys are because they can beat you when you know it so if you don’t know it, you’re really in trouble."
Arnold has committed four penalties in four games this season and has the worst passer rating against among qualified Lions defensive backs, at 125.1.
Townsend said it's important the second-year cornerback doesn't lose his confidence despite his struggles on-field.
"It’s a tough job," Townsend said. "It’s a tough position but for him he’s just got to keep working, keep grinding on the little things, let the process mean more than the results. As long as he keeps his process, it’s going to show up. And that’s one thing at this position, you just got to stay consistent. You just got to keep working, keep grinding, find ways, how can you get one player better and as a young guy, especially it’s only his second year, he’s 21, but he’s got to grow quickly but we’re working on it."
Amik Robertson is expected to start at the cornerback spot opposite Arnold, with Dorsey and Rock Ya-Sin potentially in line for backup snaps. Avonte Maddox also could see time as the slot cornerback in nickel packages.
Safety Kerby Joseph also missed practice Wednesday because of a knee injury that cost him snaps against the Browns, and left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder), running back Sione Vaki (groin) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.
Decker has missed (or been listed as an estimated non-participant for) 10 of the Lions' 13 practices since they began issuing an injury report in Week 1.
"Decker’s been laying it on the line for us, and we know he’s not 100%, and so it’s taken everything to get him back to those games ready to compete," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "And that’s been big. And so what he’s been able to do over the four weeks, it’s been impressive. And we’re fortunate that he was there for us to help us out. So, I think he’s been playing good football and it’s just about getting him back, trying to get his body back.”
Alim official
The Lions officially started Alim McNeill's return-to-practice clock from the physically unable to perform list Wednesday.
As McNeill took part in stretching at the start of practice, the Lions played the song, "Return of the Mack," by Mark Morrison over the loudspeakers on their sideline.
"I think he’s a little nervous," Campbell joked. "He’s ready to go, like I said. I’m sorry for some of those guys who are going to have to line up across from him."
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions down two starting CBs despite Terrion Arnold return
Category: Football
