“Detroit’s Injury Epidemic: The Shocking Numbers Behind the Lions’ Struggles”

The Detroit Lions are currently dealing with an overwhelming number of injuries, making them the most injured team in the NFL by a significant margin. After their Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills, the Lions lost three more starters: running back David Montgomery, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, and cornerback Carlton Davis.

Davis and McNeill have already been placed on injured reserve (IR), while the Lions are waiting on a third opinion for Montgomery. If his injury is confirmed, he will also join the IR, bringing the Lions’ total to 22 players. Even without Montgomery, Detroit already leads the league with 21 players on IR, ahead of the Cleveland Browns, who have 18.

### Lions’ Injured Reserve List
Here is the full list of Lions currently on IR:

– **LB Alex Anzalone**
– **DL David Bada**
– **K Michael Badgley**
– **LB Derrick Barnes**
– **DL John Cominsky**
– **DE Marcus Davenport**
– **CB Carlton Davis**
– **CB Khalil Dorsey**
– **OL Connor Galvin**
– **WR Antoine Green**
– **DE Aidan Hutchinson**
– **DE Nate Lynn**
– **DL Alim McNeill**
– **S Ifeatu Melifonwu** (designated to return)
– **OG Netane Muti**
– **DL Kyle Peko**
– **CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.**
– **WR Kalif Raymond**
– **LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin**
– **LB Malcolm Rodriguez**
– **DL Mekhi Wingo**

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is expected to come off IR soon, which would briefly lower the total to 20 players, but Montgomery’s likely addition could push it back up to 21.

Despite their massive injury list, the Lions have managed to maintain an impressive 12-2 record, showing remarkable resilience. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the team would not use injuries as an excuse.

“We’ve lost really good players, but nobody cares,” Campbell said. “Nobody’s giving us a pass or an asterisk next to our record. This just means other players will have an unbelievable opportunity to step up.”

The Lions will look to continue their remarkable season in Week 16 as they face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, despite the odds stacked against them.