Lions vs Bengals Injury Update: Dan Campbell Loses 4 Players
The Detroit Lions are flying high at 3-1, but head coach Dan Campbell just took a big hit ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Four key players have officially been ruled out, leaving the Lions thin in some critical spots. Let’s break down the injury list one by one.
First up is defensive tackle Alim McNeill. Campbell had hinted earlier this week that there was a chance McNeill could play, but the Lions are playing it safe. He’s still on the PUP list while recovering from an ACL injury and has a little over two weeks left in his evaluation period. The good news is the coaches believe he’s close, and a return against the
Running back Sione Vaki is also sidelined with a groin issue. He hasn’t practiced in six straight sessions, which made this decision no surprise. His absence stings, especially on special teams, where he provides valuable depth and energy. The team hopes he can get back within the next two weeks.
Linebacker Zach Cunningham will miss his second straight game because of a hamstring injury. Cunningham hasn’t practiced all week, and the Lions already moved to sign Ty Summers as extra insurance at the position. It’s another blow to the defense, which will be without a steady veteran presence in the middle.
Lastly, cornerback Khalil Dorsey is out with a concussion and a wrist injury. He was a full participant in practice on Thursday, October 2nd, but a wrist injury seemed to have kept him out of participation on Friday. That setback means the Lions will roll into Sunday with
And as Campbell deals with key injuries, it’s not like the Bengals will be entering Sunday’s game without bruises.
Dan Campbell’s counterpart will be without his 1st round rookie
Zac Taylor‘s defense has taken a hit as rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the Lions. The first-round pick hurt his right ankle in Week 2 on
That decision shows their confidence that his recovery timeline is short and that the sprain isn’t considered serious. Myles Murphy has seen extra snaps as an edge rusher in his absence.
The situation becomes a lot more difficult for Dan Campbell’s counterpart as Joe Burrow is also out with a toe injury. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith targeted the coach for putting his QB in such a position. “
They haven’t lost a game against the Lions since 1992. But with the current struggling form, it might be the big moment for the Lions.
Browns Trade Pitch Nets Strong Draft Pick for $26 Million Defender
The Cleveland Browns aren’t in sell mode just yet, but a couple more losses and that could well be where the franchise ends up.
Cleveland takes on the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday, October 5. The contest is very much in question, as both offenses face major injury issues and quarterback questions, while both defenses are among the best units in the league and get after opposing passers particularly well.
One member of the Browns‘ vaunted defense who is uncertain for the contest is cornerback Greg Newsome II. He did not practice Wednesday and was a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Cleveland’s official injury report lists him as questionable for Sunday’s game.
The former first-round pick, who is playing in the fifth-year team option of his rookie contract, moved back outside following a campaign-ending Achilles tear Martin Emerson Jr. sustained during the preseason.
Newsome has been better against the run than the pass in 2025, but is still above-average at both when compared to his qualifying peers around the NFL through the first month of the year, per Pro Football Focus.
Given Newsome’s experience playing both inside and outside over, and considering the need that good teams around the league have for a second outside cornerback, he fits the bill as a prime trade candidate should things go off the rails for Cleveland over the next month.
One team in particular that could use Newsome is the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. And given the Eagles‘ situation, they are more incentivized to spend now — and even potentially overspend slightly — on a player who helps solidify their chances at a repeat title.
Browns Can Capitalize on Cornerback Need Around NFL
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The biggest question in NFL circles regarding Philadelphia’s need at cornerback is where they might be able to find one.
People keep bringing up trade options for the Eagles like, ‘Oh, they gotta go get a CB2 and finish this thing off,'” Brett Kollman said on “The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny” on Thursday, October 2. “And while yes, I agree, because they still do need like a second outside corner I should say, or I guess it would be a CB3 for them — what team is trading a starting corner right now?”
Cleveland might be the answer if the Browns can’t get past Minnesota this weekend. The Vikings defense is known for confusing opposing quarterbacks, particularly rookies, and Dillon Gabriel is making his first start after the Browns benched Joe Flacco.
The team has yet to put up 20 points this year and may need to play its best offensive game of the campaign to get a win over the Vikings. Should Cleveland lose, the Browns will drop to 1-4 with a road game next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1), currently the AFC North Division leaders and enjoying their bye this weekend.
Browns Could Turn Greg Newsome Into Fourth-Round Pick
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report on September 29 approximated Newsome’s current trade value at a conditional fourth-round pick.
Newsome has started all four games this season for a defense that is the one unit on which the Browns can hang their hat. However, having a fantastic defense means little when the offense and special teams are struggling as badly as Cleveland’s,” Knox wrote. The reality is the Browns need to find difference-makers for their offense. Moving Newsome, who is an impending 2026 free agent, might help them do that, albeit in the 2026 draft.”
Cleveland is already amid a rookie renaissance, with five 2025 picks currently starting after Gabriel’s promotion. The Browns have two first-round selections in 2026, and it makes sense to stock assets by moving a player who isn’t likely to return next spring anyway.
Newsome has earned a total of $26 million over his first five years in the league and will certainly be looking for a raise to his annual average salary next offseason.
