The Detroit Lions' defense has been decimated by injuries this season. On Sunday night it looked they added another notable one to the mix when cornerback Terrion Arnold went down with what looked to be a serious leg injury. He couldn't put weight on his right leg, and he had to be carted off the field.
After the game head coach Dan Campbell said x-rays on Arnold were negative (so no broken bones), but he was "pretty tender" and the Lions having a bye this week will certainly be helpful to his recovery.
In the locker room after the game, regarding his availability for the Lions' Divisional Round game, Arnold told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press "I'm playing."
"Of course. I’m a warrior. I’m gonna do everything in my power to get out there with my guys, man", Arnold also said after Sunday night's game, via 97.1 The Ticket.
Arnold was spotted at the Detroit Pistons game on Monday night with a walking boot on his right foot, just as he was wearing after the game.
When he spoke to reporters on Tuesday, Campbell said he couldn't guarantee Arnold would be able to play in the Divisional Round, as expected at least 11 days out from the Lions' playoff opener, but "it's much better than it appeared" when the injury happened.
Terrion Arnold injury update: Nothing but good news
Before Campbell spoke to reporters on Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport had an update on Arnold.
"#Lions first-round CB Terrion Arnold, who was carted off the field on Sunday night, is now considered day-to-day with a foot contusion, sources say.
"X-Rays were negative and Arnold did tell @dave birkett, “I’m playing” after the game. Further testing showed that’s possible."
A week off is broadly coming at a great time for the Lions, since their regular season bye was way back in Week 5 (which added a layer of importance to winning in Week 18). In Arnold's case he not only avoided what looked like it could've been a very serious injury in the moment Sunday night, he'll have some extra time to get healthy before the next game.