Dan Campbell offers several Lions injury updates, talks options at CB

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media Monday afternoon and offered plenty of updates on injuries — both on players who have suffered recent injuries and the potential return of others.

Here’s what we know:

RB David Montgomery done for the year

Campbell noted that Montgomery’s injury will require surgery and he will be out for the rest of the year. Earlier reports suggested it was an MCL injury that required more tests, and Campbell noted those tests confirmed the worst.

“It looks like he’s going to require surgery that will put him out for the rest of the year,” Campbell said. “He had it at some point yesterday in that game. David is so tough, man. He kept playing through and then he got it checked out today and realized it was what it was.”

Montgomery leads the team with 12 rushing touchdowns and was Detroit’s tone-setter all year with his physical rushing style.

“He’s just the ultimate teammate, the ultimate competitor. We’re going to miss him,” Campbell said. “He’s another one of those guys that got us in this position, helped get us to where we is, and the rest of us owe it to him to continue and make sure it wasn’t in vain.”

DT Alim McNeill done for the year

It was previously reported that McNeill suffered a torn ACL and is out for a year. Campbell confirmed that McNeill’s season is over and he will need surgery.

CB Khalil Dorsey undergoes surgery

Dorsey suffered a serious leg injury that required an airlift and an immediate trip to the hospital. Campbell confirmed that Dorsey already had surgery Sunday night.

CB Carlton Davis is out, unclear if a return is possible

Campbell confirmed earlier reports that Davis has a jaw injury and will be out. When asked if there is any chance he could return in the playoffs, Campbell was noncommittal.

“I’m not sure yet,” Campbell said. “Not sure how long it’s going to last. I just know in the immediate future, I can’t see it.”

The Lions have several options at cornerback that the Lions will explore

With Davis and Dorsey out for the foreseeable future, the Lions have an opening in the starting lineup opposite Terrion Arnold at cornerback. In the second half of the Bills game, Kindle Vildor stepped in, but Campbell ran through various options that he and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have begun to discuss, including potentially moving Brian Branch away from the safety position.

“Obviously E-man (Emmanuel Moseley) is one we have on the roster,” Campbell said. “We’ve already got Vildor, who helped us finish that game. You still have TA (Arnold). And you’re right, (Brian) Branch, he’s someone we need to talk about. What do we do with Branch? Do we keep him where he is? Do we move him? We have Amik (Robertson). Will Amik stay inside? Does he go outside?”

Another potential option to help in the secondary is…

Ifeatu Melifonwu starts his training session this week

Campbell revealed that Melifonwu will return to training this week after a second stint on injured reserve. Melifonwu has missed the entire season with an ankle and finger injury, so Campbell isn’t sure if Melifonwu will be available right away yet. But when he’s good at returning, he can be part of the solution in the secondary.

“We’re going to have to practice a little bit to see where some of these guys who haven’t practiced in a while are at,” Campbell said.

Another option at cornerback is off the table for at least another week:

Ennis Rakestraw is close but will not return from IR this week

Campbell indicated they will not start Rakestraw’s training window this week, but it sounds like he is getting close to being ready.

“I don’t see him being ready, not yet,” Campbell said. “He’s close, but not yet.”

Rakestraw is eligible to come off injured reserve when he is ready after suffering a hamstring injury. The Lions rookie has only played in 46 defensive snaps this year, so even if he’s healthy, he’ll likely need significant practice before Detroit trusts him with a starting role.

A little bit of good news

Dave Birkett pointed out that starting left guard Graham Glasgow was seen heading towards the X-ray room after Sunday’s game. Campbell said Glasgow is okay.

“He’s a little sore, but he came out OK,” Campbell said.

Glasgow did not miss a moment in the game.