The Detroit Lions are hoping to get some reinforcements for their defense at some point this season, including defensive lineman John Cominsky and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. On top of that, Detroit is hoping to not lose running back David Montgomery for the rest of the season.
Cominsky suffered a knee injury prior to the start of the 2024 campaign and the hope is that he’ll be able to make it back at some point this year. Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve with an ankle issue in September, was activated in November, but then ended up returning to the list due to a finger issue.
Meanwhile, Montgomery suffered a torn MCL in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills and the fear is that he will miss the rest of the season, although Montgomery provided a glimmer of hope on Tuesday that he may be able to return.
On Wednesday, head coach Dan Campbell provided updates on all three players, and there was good news for Melifonwu, bad news for Cominsky, and yet another glimmer of hope for Montgomery.
David Montgomery injury update
According to Campbell, the Lions have not placed Montgomery on injured reserve yet because he is seeking a third opinion on his injury.
“We’re in waiting mode,” Campbell said, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
Per Dannie Rogers of the Lions’ official website, while hosting a coat drive on Tuesday, Montgomery revealed he hasn’t been placed on injured because he’s seeking more information and remains hopeful he could return in 2024.
“David Montgomery is hosting a coat drive here in Detroit just days after Dan Campbell said he’ll need surgery and will be done for the season,” Rogers wrote. “Montgomery said he’s alive and well when I asked how he’s feeling.
“Told me he wasn’t put on IR today because he’s working through some logistics and things could change,” Rogers added. “In terms of if there’s a chance he plays again this season, he says ‘I hope so.'”
John Cominsky injury update
Now, for the bad news: Campbell revealed that Cominsky, who is recovering from a torn MCL, is “unlikely” to be back this season, according to Pride of Detroit.
It was initially believed that Cominsky could make it back late in the season, so this is at least somewhat surprising. The Lions really could’ve used him, as the defensive line has been particularly ravaged by injury.
Ifeatu Melifonwu injury update
Last but not least, Campbell noted that Melifonwu will be designated to return from injured reserve this week. When asked about the defensive back earlier this week, Campbell was unsure if Melifonwu would be able to play right away.
“Yeah, I see his clock starting,” Campbell said on Monday. “And so then it’s, ‘Well, okay that’s good. We get him out at practice. Do we think he can help us as early as Sunday?’ I don’t know that right now, and I won’t until we get him out there running around.”
Melifonwu’s return, whenever that may be, will give the Lions some options in the wake of cornerback Carlton Davis’ significant injury. Melifonwu could work out of the slot, which would allow Amik Robertson to move to the boundary. The Lions could also deploy Brian Branch to the slot and Robertson to the boundary.
More injury updates
Campbell revealed that a number of players will be held out of practice on Wednesday for precautionary reasons, including Brian Branch.
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