Lions Place Veteran Linebacker on Injured Reserve
The Detroit Lions will not have the services of a veteran linebacker for at least the next month of the 2025 NFL season.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced the team made the decision to place Zach Cunningham on the injured reserve list.
He had been dealing with a hamstring injury, but was a full participant at practice last week. He left the game against the Buccaneers after aggravating his injury.
Safety Brian Branch is set to return from his suspension and Malcolm Rodriguez is expected to return to practice at some point next week.
Despite numerous players in the secondary missing the Week 7 contest, Detroit's defense was still able to remain stout. A review of the film indicates the Buccaneers only recorded three explosive plays in their 24-9 to the back-to-back NFC North division champions.
“Like I said, they stepped up, but it took every one of those guys. Early in that game, there was a lot of disruption in our front, and I think that kind of started it off," said Dan Campbell. "That kickstarted everything for us defensively. Alim McNeill, (Aidan Hutchinson) Hutch, (Lions EDGE Al-Quadin) Muhammad, (Derrick) Barnes. There was a lot of disruption going on. And then we were sticky in coverage. And so the two, as you know, the rush and coverage, go hand in hand. They play off of each other, and it really gave our guys a lot of confidence.”
NFL has many teams with winning records
Campbell was asked about the many teams that have winning records through the first half of the 2025 NFL season.
Detroit's fifth-year head coach that having a solid month in November helps teams maintain their momentum in December.
“There’s a lot of teams. There’s a lot of good teams right now that are sitting kind of where we’re at. But I love it, because November shakes everything out," said Campbell. "That’s where you begin to get the big separation. You’ll begin to see it. Some will start dropping and some will continue to move up. This is where you can really set yourself up in December is with November.
"I think sometimes what happens, there again, it’s a long season. If you don’t continue to get better, you stay the same, you get passed up by some of these other teams," Campbell commented further. "Or man, you get a little tired, you get a little fatigued. The players, the coaches, and then it costs you a loss here and there."
Detroit will take the bye week to rest up and to take a critical look at correctable issues.
"You just, man, you’ve got to stay in it. You’ve got to stay urgent, you’ve got to stay focused on the details," said Campbell. "You’ve got to continue to put in the work, and you just can’t brush anything off. You can’t just throw it off to the side and say, ‘We’ll be Okay.’ No, you’ve got to look at everything. You’ve got to clean up and correct everything, even after wins.”
Jahmyr Gibbs of Detroit Lions: A Quiet Gesture that Speaks Volumes – Why His Act of Kindness on a Flight is Shaping His Legacy
Detroit, MI — October 11, 2025
Gibbs, who has quickly become one of the most electrifying and respected running backs in the NFL, was caught in a viral moment this week that has left fans and fellow athletes alike in awe. The incident occurred not on the football field, but rather aboard a commercial flight from Detroit, where Gibbs made a seemingly small but profoundly meaningful gesture that reminded everyone of what true leadership and character really look like.
A Quiet Act of Respect
According to multiple witnesses, just moments before takeoff, Gibbs — dressed casually in a hoodie and baseball cap — was seated in first class when an elderly man in a U.S. veteran cap was escorted down the aisle. Without hesitation, Gibbs stood up, offered his seat, and urged the veteran to take it. The veteran initially refused, but Gibbs insisted with a smile and quietly moved to an economy seat without making a scene.
However, what came next made this moment even more special. After relocating to his new seat, Gibbs didn’t seek attention or bask in any praise. Instead, he spent the next few minutes helping fellow passengers with their luggage, offering assistance to families, and even helping a mother calm her crying baby. According to flight attendants, Gibbs “was just helping — quietly, gently, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.”
This modest act, captured by no cameras and recorded by no media outlets, was a reflection of Gibbs’ personality both on and off the field — humble, genuine, and compassionate. “He wasn’t drawing attention to himself,” one witness noted. “He was just being a good person.”
A Ripple of Kindness: The Flight Cabin Responds
As Gibbs continued his quiet service, passengers began to take notice. Within minutes, murmurs spread across the cabin, and then, a spontaneous show of admiration erupted. Fellow passengers started chanting his name: “Gibbs! Gibbs!” The reaction was overwhelming — applause, cheers, and even tears filled the plane as everyone realized the full extent of Gibbs’ kindness.
What made this moment even more impactful was the deep connection it forged with those onboard. One passenger shared a poignant reflection, writing on social media, “No cameras. No PR stunt. Just pure class.”
This simple truth set social media ablaze, with fans across the world praising Gibbs for showing the kind of leadership that cannot be measured in rushing yards or touchdowns.
