Detroit Lions injury updates: Carlton Davis, David Montgomery, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Of the three big defensive injuries for the Detroit Lions during Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills, two were clearly season-ending. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a torn right ACL, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey suffered a broken leg that looked far too akin to Aidan Hutchinson's leg injury from back in Week 6.

Cornerback Carlton Davis suffered a fractured jaw against the Bills. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported he'd be out six weeks, which correlates to a possible return for the NFC Championship Game if the Lions get there. Even a little light at end of any injury tunnel is easily accepted right now, and as expected Davis was placed on IR this week along with McNeill and Dorsey.

Lions injury updates: Carlton Davis, David Montgomery, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Before Friday's practice, head coach Dan Campbell had some injury updates.

"I think we may see where this thing goes,” Campbell said, regarding Montgomery after a report Thursday night he will attempt to rehab his MCL injury. “We’ve still got to a decision to make, because even if that is the case, it’s a matter of do we put him on IR? Do you see how fast he can come back from it? All that, but it’s certainly sounds more optimistic.”

"I'd say nothing has changed as of right now,” Campbell said, about Davis. “It doesn’t look optimistic to get him back. Doesn’t mean it won’t (happen), but I just don’t foresee that right now.”

Campbell didn't totally squash the idea Davis could return late in the playoffs if the Lions go far enough. He is just acknowledging a lack of optimism about it, along the line of not creating unrealistic expectations. Coaches will also usually be as vague as possible regarding injuries, and despite his general candidness Campbell is not immune to that.

Davis is in the final year of his contract. The Lions signing him to a contract extension has felt like a foregone conclusion based on how he has performed this season, as long as the cost was right. With that in mind, the history he had of being banged up a lot during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has followed him to Detroit this year. He will miss at least four games for a fourth straight season.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand) started his 21-day return clock to come off IR this week. It has seemed possible, however unlikely, he could play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Campbell came in on the unlikely side of that equation before Friday's practice.

“Yeah, I mean, so much of this was about getting his legs back under him, getting him comfortable this week", Campbell said. "We’re not closed to that; I’m not closed to that, I just – he’s gotten a little better every day and he’ll go out there today and practice and we’re working him in some stuff – just see where he’s at. But it’s good to have him back and it’s good to see him out there, functioning, working the position, and so that’s a good thing.”

Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) returned to practice on Thursday, starting his 21-day activation window. As expected, Campbell basically confirmed the veteran linebacker won't play on Sunday.