Lions are staring down the perfect Riq Woolen trade they can’t deny
While the Detroit Lions left Ford Field in Week 4 with a huge win over the Cleveland Browns and their formidable defense, they suffered some significant losses to their defense. Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, both typically starting cornerbacks, went down with injuries during the win.
While Arnold's shoulder injury apparently doesn't look too serious, Reed may be missing some time due to a hamstring injury.
Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters after the Browns game, "I don't know how -- I don't know what that's going to be or how long. I mean, certainly, I cannot imagine (Reed) playing next week at a minimum 'til we get more tests done. And I don't think (Arnold's) a major, is a major thing. I don't know. Then again, I don't know about him next week, but it's certainly not as significant as what, you know, is what Reed had."
With Reed's status up in the air, it could be time to start taking a peek at defenders about to become available for trade this early in the year. One target for Detroit to consider is Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who is apparently about to see his role diminish due to the return of Devon Witherspoon.
Lions should poke around on Woolen amidst Reed injury
Witherspoon, who returned from an MCL bruise in Week 4, might see another ramp up in usage in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded nine total tackles and a half sack against the Arizona Cardinals in his return, while Woolen had just one tackle. He is, however, only allowing a quarterback rating of 71.9 in his very young career.
Woolen could likely be dealt for a late round pick, something the Lions are probably willing to spend considering they got an extra late rounder in the Tim Patrick trade executed prior to the start of the season.
Reed has been a bit injury riddled over the last few years, having missed three games last year with the New York Jets. With Reed likely out for Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and no guarantee that he'd be back ahead of Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road, it might be smart for Detroit to add some insurance to the CB room.
With Arnold's struggles to begin this year, too, it wouldn't hurt to create some competition while giving Reed time to recover from this hamstring issue.
Dan Campbell Hints At When Alim McNeill Will Make Season Debut
The Detroit Lions’ defense has already proven it can win games in different ways, but reinforcements might be on the way soon. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Tuesday morning on Costa & Jansen
That’s encouraging news for a Lions defensive line that has already leaned heavily on Aidan Hutchinson
Possible Return Against Chiefs or Bucs
Campbell didn’t put a firm date on McNeill’s return but pointed toward two possible landing spots: next week’s road matchup against the
“No guarantee,” Campbell emphasized, but the fact that McNeill is trending toward being back within the next two weeks is a positive sign after missing time.
“I think we’re gonna see if we can do that.” Campbell said when asked if Alim would make his debut before the bye.” Really, so much of it is about, What does he look like? How does he feel? I think it would be nice to be that if we could, but we’re not gonna, you know, say for sure, like, ‘all right, this is when you’re playing. There’s no doubt about it.’ Let’s just see where he’s at.”
Why McNeill Matters
Detroit’s run defense has been solid, but McNeill’s presence in the middle is a game-changer. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 320 pounds, he eats up double teams and helps free up linebackers like
The Lions are also about to hit a crucial stretch of the schedule. A road trip to Arrowhead is always a test, and the Bucs’ offense is built on trying to establish balance. Having McNeill back for either, or both, games could tilt the matchup.
The Big Picture
The Lions have already proven their depth, with young guys like Williams holding their own while veterans like Hutchinson continue to shine. But make no mistake, Campbell and defensive coordinator
If things go according to plan, Lions fans could see No. 54 clogging the middle sooner rather than later.
