Tyleik Williams sat out Detroit Lions practice on Wednesday, Oct. 7, due to a leg injury that leaves his availability for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals uncertain. Coach Dan Campbell described Williams as "touch and go," raising questions about the defensive tackle’s participation after he suffered the injury during last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Williams, a first-round pick from Ohio State last season, has yet to miss a game in his career. The Lions have relied on a three-player rotation at defensive tackle through the first four weeks, with Williams and Alim McNeill starting and Skyler Gill-Howard acting as the primary backup. If Williams cannot play, Levi Onwuzurike and Tyler Lacy are expected to take on increased snaps, while the team may elevate practice squad nose tackle Chris Smith to the active roster.
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin also missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring issue, along with guard Ben Bartch, who was sidelined due to a foot injury. Campbell indicated that rookie cornerback Keith Abney and veteran safety Jalen Mills could see more playing time as the Lions adjust their defensive personnel ahead of the Cardinals game.
Mills, who was recently elevated from the practice squad, saw four snaps last week. Campbell said, "I can see both those guys taking on a bigger role," pointing to the team’s need to shuffle its defensive lineup amid injuries.
The Lions currently sit at 2-2 and rank last in the NFL in both total and passing defense, while conceding the second-most points in the league. The defensive struggles add pressure on Campbell and his staff to find workable solutions, especially with the upcoming matchup against Arizona.
Williams’ leg injury and Ya-Sin’s hamstring are the most immediate concerns. The Lions have yet to confirm whether either player will be active on Sunday, leaving their defensive front and secondary in flux. Campbell’s remarks suggest the team is preparing to rely more heavily on younger and less experienced players if necessary.
Practice squad elevations and potential lineup tweaks will be closely watched as the Lions attempt to improve on recent defensive performances. The team’s next injury update is expected as game day approaches.
According to Yahoo Sports.
