Detroit Lions star cornerback Amik Robertson has been taken to a hospital after receiving an arm injury in tonight's Divisional Round game against the Washington Commanders.
Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, "The #Lions have downgraded CB Amik Robertson to out and he's being taken to a local hospital for evaluation of his elbow injury."
The #Lions have downgraded CB Amik Robertson to out and he's being taken to a local hospital for evaluation of his elbow injury.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2025More News: Texans' DeMeco Ryans Seemingly Takes Shot at NFL Officiating Following Loss to Chiefs
In the early stages of the game, disaster struck for the Lions' defense. On just the second defensive play of the game, cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a serious elbow injury while attempting to make a tackle on a screen pass.
As Robertson wrapped up Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin, linebacker Jack Campbell inadvertently collided with him, causing the injury. Robertson remained on the field for several moments, visibly shaken, before trainers helped him off the field and into the locker room.
The Lions initially labeled Robertson's status as questionable, but just a short while later, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The loss of Robertson is a significant blow for a defense already decimated by injuries.
He had become a key figure for Detroit's secondary this season, especially after an injury to starting cornerback Carlton Davis III.
With Davis sidelined for the year following a broken jaw, Robertson had stepped up, filling in on the boundary and showing toughness and physicality that made him a standout alongside rookie Terrion Arnold.
Robertson's absence compounds the Lions' growing injury list on defense, which already includes key players like defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, as well as cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley, Ennis Rakestraw, and Khalil Dorsey.
Despite these challenges, Detroit had managed to keep its defensive unit competitive, relying on depth and versatility to stay afloat. On Washington's opening drive, the Lions' defense made a critical stand, stuffing a fourth-down quarterback sneak by backup QB Marcus Mariota.
With Robertson out, reserve cornerback Kindle Vildor was thrust into action. He joined Arnold and practice squad call-up Stantley Thomas-Oliver as the remaining healthy cornerbacks.
For a team already thin in the secondary, this further test of Detroit's depth could prove critical as the game progresses.
Robertson had been riding a wave of momentum leading into the playoff matchup, having played a pivotal role in Detroit's Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, he helped shut down one of the league's top wide receivers, Justin Jefferson, limiting him to just three catches throughout the game.
Robertson's performance had cemented his place as one of the Lions' most reliable defenders, and his loss in this crucial postseason matchup makes the challenge ahead even steeper.
As Detroit fights to advance to the NFC Championship, the Lions' defense faces its toughest test yet. They'll need to dig deep into their reserve of players, relying on young talents like Arnold and Vildor to step up in the face of adversity.
With the secondary already in shambles, Robertson's absence only adds to the weight of a defense that's been forced to adapt and adjust all season long.
More News:
Falcons Hire Former Interim Jets Head Coach Jeff Ulbrich as Defensive Coordinator
Fans React to Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes Already Getting Bailed Out by Refs
For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·