The Detroit Lions have a complicated injury situation heading into Week 4, and arguably it's the worst at linebacker.
Alex Anzalone was out against the Arizona Cardinals with a concussion, and Derrick Barnes was injured in the game and is now on injured reserve. So two key defensive leaders are down, with return dates uncertain right now.
In Anzalone's absence, Jack Campbell played every defensive snap against the Cardinals. After Barnes' injury, the second-year man took an opportunity to
"For me, and I feel like I can speak on behalf of the linebacker room, everyone just kind of individually knows that no matter what, they always prepare like they're the starter. You can speak to Malcolm (Rodriguez) and Ben (Niemann) and even Trevor (Nowaske), now he's gonna get thrown into the fire a little bit. But I feel like every guy in the room just prepares like he's the guy and I feel like when your opportunity comes to step up, you're already used to it because you've been doing it in practice and in meetings and going through the tape. That's just kind of the mentality that we have in that room, just next man up."
Seeing the injuries play out so early is a disappointment for Campbell, but as he reminds, Lions linebackers will be ready to go no matter whether it's the big name starters or other role players getting a chance to play.
"I mean, it's just unfortunate. Injuries are a part of the game and you never know who you're going to have week in and week out, so you got to be ready to go no matter if (Alex) Anzalone's up, if (Derrick) Barnes is up, if I'm up, Malcolm (Rodriguez), Jalen (Reeves-Maybin), you can go down the list."
Jack Campbell talks about his development
Campbell credits the experience he gained during his rookie year for the steps that he has been able to make so far this season.
"Obviously, I feel like last year was just so good for me to make that deep playoff run I got and then playing the preseason (this year). I got two college seasons of experience last year seeing stuff and already, I can just kind of feel everything better. It's been great and we just got to keep the defense playing at a high level."
In the past, a few critical injuries may have derailed the Lions completely at a position like linebacker. With Campbell and others, there is now enough depth to not only survive the current situation, but thrive in spite of it.