Detroit Lions: How the Bills game could have been far worse

Which leads us to the biggest negative to come out of Friday’s exhibition; injuries. This is every coach and fans worst nightmare. While we all are anxious to see the starters hit the field and give us some positive play to help keep our optimism alive, there is always the chance that someone could get hurt.

The big fear was that if Stafford was indeed healthy and ready to play that he might get injured during a meaningless exhibition game. Ironically enough Matthew played into the second quarter and seemed to make it through without even a bruise.

Unfortunately, two key members of the starting lineup did not.

Frank Ragnow, who started every game last season at right guard as a rookie out of Arkansas before moving back to his more natural position of center over the offseason, went down with a lower leg injury.

With concerns already in place about the offensive line and who would be starting at left guard, losing a key starter like Ragnow wasn’t exactly what the doctor ordered. Fortunately, it was reported that Ragnow’s injury was just a ‘minor ankle sprain’.

It is not known for sure how long Ragnow will be out, but it would certainly seem like his return should be sooner rather than later. Which is good news for the Lions since any offensive systems success really starts in the trenches with good line play.

Starting middle linebacker Jarrad Davis, who is the leader of the defense, also went down with a lower leg injury when he was taken out on the second play of the game by the friendly fire of fellow linebacker Devon Kennard.

Davis was taken from the field on a cart after many of his teammates gave him their best wishes. The fear was a serious injury that could end his season. The reality was better as it was reported that Davis’ injury is not season-ending and he will not need to be put on injured reserve.

According to MLive.com, David Chao, the former team doctor of the Chargers, had said the best-case scenario for Davis was a severe high-ankle sprain. Which could affect him all season, but should allow him to return to the lineup. Eventually.

Which means that second-round pick Jahlani Tavai is looking awfully important right now. Tavai was slated to be Davis’ primary backup this season but has the versatility that would allow him plenty of opportunities in Matt Patricia’s multiple defenses and sub-packages to contribute quite a bit anyways.

Now it would appear he will be carrying an extra load to start the year.

Matt Patricia’s mentality and the mentality he is instilling in his team daily is to do their job and when someone goes down, then the next man up is expected to pick up the pieces. It’s really the unwritten rule for all backups in all sports; you get into the game, then play like you belong and don’t let the team down. Even though it doesn’t always happen that way.

In two weeks the Lions will be in Arizona and it appears Jahlani Tavai will be that next man up. At which point a well-played, mistake-free game would go a long way towards helping the Lions get a very important opening day win, which should certainly help us all feel a little better until Jarrad Davis returns.