Three notable Lions injuries could alter outlook on 2024 season

Monday was a day to forget if you're a Detroit Lions fan. During practice, the team saw three key players go down with injury.

First and foremost, running back Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury. We aren't sure the severity of it just yet, and will likely have to wait until Wednesday for an update because the team is off on Tuesday.

Gibbs, of course, missed some earlier parts of the offseason with a soft tissue injury. If this is anywhere near related to that previous injury, it could be worrisome. Soft tissue injuries tend to linger, and if a player isn't 100 percent healed but tries to come back, things often get even worse.

Aside from Gibbs, though, a pair of rookie cornerbacks were hurt Monday night. Both Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Terrion Arnold exited practice.

The Lions may be in search for significant roster help in the near future

First of all, if either Arnold or Rakestraw's injuries are somewhat serious, the Lions could be in trouble. Already, they saw Emmanuel Moseley go down with a torn pectoral muscle just days ago. Arnold, the first-round pick out of Alabama, is a projected starter opposite Carlton Davis. Meanwhile, Rakestraw looked to be leading the twos.

The Lions would then turn to Kindle Vildor as the next man up after Rakestraw and Arnold, which wouldn't be good news for a team looking at a Super Bowl run this season. In five games with Detroit last year, Vildor gave up an opposing quarterback rating of 114.8 while allowing a pair of touchdowns.

If this is who the Lions will have to turn to in the even Rakestraw and Arnold are out for any indefinite period of time, this team is going to need to go get veteran help, immediately, especially after watching the rookies in their first action together. The two of them balled out.

As for the back field, if Gibbs is out for an extended period of time, it could mean a lot more playing time for Craig Reynolds. Now, while Reynolds is a likable player and does his job well, he's no where near the talent level of Gibbs. Losing Gibbs would change this offense in a major way. Ben Johnson would have to adapt to giving David Montgomery the bulk of the carries and operating his passing game through the receivers and tight ends, while no longer having the threat of Gibbs out of the back field.

Remember, Gibbs scored 11 touchdowns last year while not even playing as a true starter, but as someone who split time with Montgomery. His impact was absolutely enormous on this offense. Without him, things change.

And, without Rakestraw or Arnold, the secondary is in trouble.

We're hoping none of the three injuries carry into the regular season. But if they do, Detroit will need to make some moves if they're serious about a Super Bowl title.