A banner victory for the Detroit Lions over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 showcased how well the Lions’ team is playing more consistently to its potential. Unfortunately, the team lost two linebackers and suffered some other key injuries in the victory in Ford Field.
Is Jack Campbell done for 2026, and how will Detroit replace him?
Yes, as Jeff Risdon said, it is safe to presume Detroit plays 2026 without Lions linebacker Jack Campbell. The team has offered only vague, positive remarks. Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is out for the season with a hamstring injury, which accelerates the replacement plan.
The Lions signed Lions linebacker KJ Britt, a special teams ace, and Jeff Risdon expects Lions linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga to maybe see defensive snaps first because of existing trust on the team. Lions safety Brian Branch and Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum remain in concussion protocol with statuses still unknown. There is also a potential return from injured reserve at linebacker, but the immediate patchwork points to internal options and special teams crossovers.
Are the Miami Dolphins a real threat this week?
No. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Miami Dolphins are at the very start of a rebuild and are not a good football team. They resemble where the Lions were in Dan Campbell’s first season, and they are led by Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, not an established passer on the level of Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
Miami’s offensive and defensive lines lack starters who would crack Detroit’s lineup, and roster depth is thin. The Dolphins do have team speed, but barring Detroit playing worse than the Carolina game, the Lions should control this matchup.
What did the early tape of the Vikings win actually show?
Detroit’s early offensive plan with heavy tight ends did not work, but in-game adjustments from Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing unlocked answers. The offensive line handled outside zone better than expected against a fast Minnesota defense, even with individual misses from Lions lineman Bates Ratledge, Lions guard Christian Mahogany, and Lions lineman Caden Mays.
Defensively, communication between all three levels improved exponentially. Lions safety Keith Abney’s coverage instincts and communication stood out. Lions safety Chuck Clark played pretty well overall, while Lions cornerback DJ Reed battled effectively against Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jeff Risdon also stressed tackling fundamentals after two players were concussed on one play, noting Brian Branch must avoid leading with his head.
Up front, Lions defensive tackle Aleem McNeill is playing at a Pro Bowl level. With Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, DJ Wonnum and Brian Branch in the fold when healthy, Detroit’s defensive core remains strong. Offensively, Jared Goff’s MVP-level play is maximized when paired with Lions slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Lions tight end Sam LaPorta.
Will Brad Holmes buy before the Nov. 10 trade deadline?
Yes, expect buying, but on the minor side. Jeff Risdon does not see the Lions as sellers and expects a lower-profile add, not a splashy move. Targets mirror needs: a true WR4, a better kick returner, or a No. 2 tight end upgrade over Lions tight end Brock Wright. Even a Day 3 pick for real snaps would boost the room and signal belief in a 5-2 team.
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