The Detroit Lions suffered a major blow as they are forced to place defensive tackle Haloti Ngata on Injured Reserve due to an elbow injury.
The Detroit Lions defensive line has suffered yet another loss due to injury this season. This time, it’s veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. The 33-year old, who has spent the past three seasons in the Motor City, is being placed on Injured Reserve due to an elbow injury (bicep). Ngata suffered the injury during Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Although Ngata could be brought back in eight weeks, the Lions’ run defense figures to take a significant blow due to his absence. Detroit currently ranks 3rd in the NFL in rushing yardage allowed per game (74.6).
According to Lions’ insider Dave Birkett, Ngata’s injury is serious enough that it very well could end his season. For a player that considered retirement earlier this year, it could be the final note in his stellar career.
An update: Haloti Ngata's injur is serious enough that it's considered a season-ended. He won't be back this year. https://t.co/0Sfb6KI7RN
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 11, 2017
In his 12th season in the league, Ngata is a five-time Pro Bowler and a former Super Bowl champion. So far this season, he posted seven total tackles, 2.0 sacks and 1 pass defend in five games.
Finding someone to replace Ngata along the Lions’ defensive line is a near impossible task. But that won’t stop Lions general manager Bob Quinn from trying.
It is now being reported that Detroit has in fact signed former Lion defensive tackle Caraun Reid to help lighten the load a bit. Reid was a fifth round pick by Detroit back in 2014.
The Princeton alum spent two seasons in the Motor City before being a final cuts casualty last September. Reid spent last season with the San Diego Chargers. During his two-year stint in Detroit, the 25-year old recorded a total of 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks and one pass defend.
The Lions also signed former first round selection Datone Jones. The 25th overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Jones hit free agency this offseason after four uneventful years in Wisconsin. He’s recorded career totals of 73 tackles and 9.0 sacks.
Jones was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $3.75 million deal in March. But the 27-year old landed on Injured Reserve earlier this month due to a shoulder issue. He received an injury settlement from Minnesota and was released.
Next: Detroit Lions' gameplan for beating the Saints
Datone Jones will likely be a nice situational pass rusher for the Detroit Lions for the remainder of the season. Third-year linebacker Thurston Armbrister was released by Detroit to make room on their roster for their newest addition.