Lions Secondary in Crisis | NFL News

0:00On September 7th, the Detroit Lions are facing some serious debt issues at safety heading into the new season. With two key guys, Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph, starting the year on the physically unable to perform list, the team really needs everyone else too. Stay healthy. It's a tough spot to be in when you're already thin at a crucial position. Things got a little more complicated with other defensive backs picking up knocks. Thomas Harper, for instance, only managed to play in one preseason game because of an ankle issue that bothered him all through training camp. Then there's Christian Ezean, who head coach Dan Campbell suggested, might miss the opener with an injury that hasn't been detailed. Adding to the concern, Avanté Maddox apparently got hurt on the very last play of training camp. This is a big deal because Maddox is a veteran player with eight seasons under his belt. Ezean, who was signed in free agency, also brings experience, having played significant snaps with the Buccaneers before joining Detroit. Now, coach Campbell did offer some positive news on Monday. While he didn't give specific updates on Ezean, or Maddox, he did say that Thomas Harper is expected to be ready to go for the game against the Saints.

1:12This is a welcome bit of relief for the Lions secondary, which has been stretched then by these recent injuries. So, while the Lions are navigating these injury concerns, the readiness of Harper is a good sign. The team will be looking for their remaining defensive backs to step up and fill the gaps as they prepare for their first regular season matchup. From around the league, powered by AI, this is NFL News Today. I'm Corey with the story.