It’s crunch time for the Detroit Lions, and if they want to make it to the playoffs, the 7-5 team has to win out the remainder of their season. Adding to the problems facing the team is their mounting injuries.
The Detroit Lions dropped their game against NFC North rivals the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, really hurting their chances of getting to the playoffs. It also didn’t help that on Friday, November 28, the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles, making former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Bears a solid No. 1 in the NFC North and even No. 1 in the entire NFC.
At one point, there was hope of retired center Frank Ragnow coming back. On Wednesday, November 26, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network shared the news that the team’s “offensive line just got a lot better, as one the game’s greats will return — Center Frank Ragnow is returning. Sounds like he’s in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later.”
But, on Saturday, November 29, the Lions announced that he failed his physical. “The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season,” the franchise said in a statement. “For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions. Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”
A Silver Lining for the Detroit Lions
It’s too late for a trade, but the Detroit Lions could certainly sign an available free agent. The Lions have lost starting cornerback Terrion Arnold to the injured reserve list after he suffered a shoulder injury against the Packers, so he’s out for at least four games.
But, former Lions cornerback Darius Slay is available. The Detroit Lions drafted Slay in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft, and he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. But, he was only signed to a 1-year, $10 million dollar contract, according to research from Over the Cap. The Steelers released him on Tuesday, December 2, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Detroit Lions Need This New Addition
Slay would make for a prized addition to Detroit’s secondary in need of some veteran talent after the Arnold injury. Consider it a “Hail Mary” by the Lions for doing a playoff push.
“After Arnold’s injury, the Lions have DJ Reed, Amik Robertson, and Rock Ya-Sin in their cornerback rotation,” notes Cem Yolbulan of Detroit Jock City in a Tuesday, December 2 feature. “Avonte Maddox and Khalil Dorsey will serve as backups, but the Lions could certainly use one more competent veteran in the mix.”
“The cornerback would be the perfect addition to a Detroit secondary desperate to add starting talent after the loss of Terrion Arnold for the remainder of the season,” adds Candace Pedraza of SideLion Report. “This move would scream playoff push, which is why the Lions should deeply considering making it.”
The Detroit Lions have made mistake this season, more the management than the players, and this would be one move in the right direction.
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