DETROIT — The Detroit Lions placed linebacker Jack Campbell on injured reserve Saturday, less than a week after the defensive standout was immobilized and carted off the field with a serious neck injury.
Campbell, 26, was injured on the opening snap of the fourth quarter during Detroit’s 19-15 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 1. His head struck the hip of Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson while making a tackle. Campbell lay motionless on the Ford Field turf before medical personnel stabilized him on a backboard and transported him directly to Henry Ford Hospital, the Detroit News reported.
An official diagnosis and formal timetable for Campbell’s recovery have not been released by the team, the Detroit News reported. Campbell remained hospitalized leading into the weekend, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Progress in Recovery
Despite remaining hospitalized, Campbell provided an encouraging public update through the franchise earlier in the week. Campbell said he had secured full movement in his lower body and was “continuing to make progress with movement” in his upper body, adding that he was very optimistic about his recovery.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed to reporters Friday that the 2025 first-team All-Pro continues to show signs of improvement.
“This is about, man, how would he prepare, how would he play?” Dan Campbell said, according to the Detroit News. “Those are the standards for us going into this game. We owe it to him.”
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard echoed that sentiment as Detroit prepared for Sunday’s road matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Sheppard noted that he begins each day asking himself, “What would 46 want me to do today?” according to the Detroit Free Press.
Roster Moves and Depth Adjustments
To fill the open active roster spot, the Lions signed defensive back Nick Whiteside from the practice squad on Saturday. Detroit also temporarily elevated defensive end Anthony Lucas and running back Jabari Small from the practice squad for Sunday’s contest in Miami.
Campbell’s shift to injured reserve sidelines him for at least four games under NFL rules. In his absence, linebackers Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske are expected to take on expanded defensive responsibilities, the Detroit News reported. Detroit also added linebacker depth earlier in the week by signing K.J. Britt off the New England Patriots’ practice squad.
The Lions face multiple injury challenges heading into their Week 9 matchup. Defensive end D.J. Wonnum has been ruled out with a concussion, while center Cade Mays is sidelined due to an ankle injury. Defensive back D.J. Reed and safety Kerby Joseph will also miss Sunday’s game, the Detroit News reported.
It remains uncertain how long Campbell will remain in the hospital or whether he will be cleared to play again during the 2026 season.
