Lions Reeling as Terrion Arnold Opts for Season-Ending Surgery

The Detroit Lions continue to be hit with troubling injury news, and Monday delivered their most significant setback yet. Second year cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was initially placed on injured reserve with the expectation he would miss at least four games, has elected to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The decision ends his debut campaign after only eight appearances and further strains a Detroit secondary that has allowed 648 passing yards over its last two games.

Arnold’s absence looms especially large with the Lions preparing for a critical Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, whose offense has surged behind quarterback Dak Prescott. Detroit has struggled to contain explosive passing attacks in recent weeks, and losing its highly drafted rookie corner only intensifies the challenge of slowing one of the league’s most efficient aerial units.

The injury woes continue on offense. Backup tight end Brock Wright is dealing with a trachea injury suffered in the win over the Giants. When asked whether Wright’s outlook could extend long term, head coach Dan Campbell offered a brief but concerning response: “Could be, could be.” With Sam LaPorta likely don’t for the year, depth at tight end already stretched thin, Wright’s timeline becomes increasingly significant. Detroit did open the practice window for tight end Shane Zylstra, who could soon provide meaningful help at the position after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.

Veteran center Frank Ragnow, who had briefly raised hopes with a potential midseason return, was moved back to the reserve/retired list, signaling his comeback attempt has officially come to an end, and likely will not be back for next season.

There was at least one encouraging development for the defense. Safety Kerby Joseph returned to practice in a limited capacity, wearing a knee brace after missing six consecutive games. Speculation over Joseph’s status had grown after he deleted his social media accounts and posted “God help me” on Instagram. On Tuesday, Joseph clarified the situation and downplayed any long-term concern.

He told reporters surgery was “not likely an option,” adding he had no fear the injury would affect the trajectory of his career. Joseph said he stepped away from social media simply to “lock in” as he worked through rehab. “Got to trust in God’s plan,” he said. “Put it in God’s hands.”

Offensively, Detroit remains shorthanded at wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown missed Mondays practice with an ankle injury, and although the Lions have not ruled him out for Sunday, his availability appears doubtful. Kalif Raymond, dealing with an ankle issue of his own, was also a non-participant. Both absences leave quarterback Jared Goff with a diminished skill group heading into a matchup against one of the league’s more aggressive pass-rush units.

The Lions did receive hopeful news on the offensive line. Second year left guard Christian Mahogany is trending toward a possible late-December return. Campbell said Mahogany has begun light running and is working with a protective pad similar to the one Aidan Hutchinson used earlier this season. Veteran guard Graham Glasgow also returned to practice on a limited basis after missing last week with a neck injury.

Limited participants Tuesday included Taylor Decker, Brian Branch, Glasgow, Joseph, Sione Vaki and Zylstra.

As Detroit enters a make-or-break stretch in the NFC playoff race, health remains its greatest obstacle, and the Cowboys present no margin for error.