The Detroit Lions’ defense was outstanding against the Cleveland Browns . However, after losing both starting cornerbacks, D.J Reed and Terrion Arnold , to injuries during the game, the Lions signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers.
Detroit Lions’ Defense Gets Boost From NFL Veteran, Star DT Set To Return
Once again, the Lions’ devastating injury bug rears its ugly head. Already reeling from a season-ending injury to DL Levi Onwuzerike and recent injuries to EDGE Marcus Davenport and safety Daniel Thomas, the threat of last year’s ongoing injury onslaught feels inescapable.
Lions Defense Loses Both Starting Cornerbacks To Injury
While making a critical tackle on Cleveland receiver Jerry Jeudy , Reed suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of the lineup for the next several weeks. Reed’s efforts resulted in an incomplete pass. Afterward, Coach Dan Campbell was asked about his heroic effort. “It’s the way he’s wired. That’s the type of guy he is. His style of play, when you watch him play, you know that he’s a great fit for us, and that just shows everything you need to know. That, to him, is more important than his own body is making a play for his teammates. He doesn’t want to let the guys down; he needs to make a play, and something comes of that. He’s a stud.”
Earlier in the game, Arnold went down with a shoulder injury. However, Campbell believes it’s not serious and he’ll be back in the lineup soon. “I don’t know. I don’t think this is a huge thing, but the question is, is he going to be ready for this week? That would be the question. And if it’s not this week, he should be back by next week for sure.”
Unfortunately, both players were among the defensive leaders on the team, with Reed recording 16 tackles and one interception, and Arnold 21 tackles. Their contribution each week will be missed. While Arnold has struggled this season with injuries and costly penalties, Reed’s veteran leadership is a stabilizing presence.
Lions Sign Veteran CB To Practice Squad
NFL journeyman Flowers has been with six different teams during his eight-year career. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round (146th pick) of the 2018 NFL Draft, he had previous stints with the Cincinnati Bengals , Jacksonville Jaguars , and Atlanta Falcons.
Flowers signed with the Chicago Bears during the 2025 preseason. Released during final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the Bears’ practice squad two days later but released in early September. Earlier this week, Brad Holmes signed the free agent to the Lions’ practice squad. The 6’3”, 203 lb. cornerback brings experience and veteran savvy to the lineup and could be eligible to play as soon as this weekend.
During his NFL career, Flowers compiled a resume of 287 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 22 pass breakups, four interceptions, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Flowers comes from a distinguished NFL bloodline as the nephew of NFL vet and Buffalo Bills first-round pick DE Erik Flowers . His first cousin is former Jacksonville Jaguars FB Dimitri Flowers.
What Role Veteran CB Could Play For The Lions
With Reed and Arnold out of the lineup, Amik Robertson and veteran Rock Ya-Sin will assume the starting assignments. In his second year with Detroit, Robertson has become a key component of the Lions’ defense. The former Las Vegas Raiders CB tallied 168 career tackles (121 solo), 2.0 sacks, 24 pass defenses, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles. In 2024, his first season with the Lions, Robertson boasted 50 tackles (40 solo), eight pass defenses, four tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. His three forced fumbles tied for second-most among defensive backs last season. In Week 18, when the Lions pounded the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 31-9, Robertson was sensational in his coverage of Justin Jefferson . He held the All-Pro receiver to three receptions for 54 yards.
Defensive Trench Help
Kelvin Sheppard’s defense is significantly buoyed by the Lions’ opening the practice window for talented star DT Alim McNeill. “So, we’re starting Mac’s clock today,” Campbell stated on Wednesday. “I feel sorry for some of those guys who’ll have to line up across from him. He’s ready to go. He’s ready to start practicing.”
McNeill is a dominant defensive player. Before his injury, he recorded 25 tackles (17 solo), seven TFLs, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback pressures, one pass defense, and one forced fumble. He is eligible to return within the next 21 days, and having him back on the field will be key. In addition, the Lions could soon see the return of injured LB Malcolm Rodriguez. In the meantime, Flowers can step up as a reserve cornerback. The veteran could also be deployed on special teams. Once again, the next-man-up philosophy is helping the Lions beat back the injury bug.
Main Image: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The post Detroit Lions’ Defense Gets Boost From NFL Veteran and a Star DT is Set To Return appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football .