Dan Campbell announces an exciting update to the team following the success of MNF

The Detroit Lions shut out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a heavyweight NFC matchup in Week 7. The Bucs entered the Monday Night Football showdown with a rush. Tampa Bay has scored at least 30 points and gained at least 352 yards of offense in back-to-back wins. But The Lions’ defense dominatedholding Baker Mayfield and company to nine points for 251 total yards.

Detroit’s 24-9 win is even more impressive given the team’s poor secondary. The 5-2 Lions were missing four starters in Week 7. And Campbell expects the team to improve as it goes closer to full power.

“The good news is we’re going to get a lot of players back … that’s encouraging. Even though we’re getting better and better, we’re going to get some of our players back,” Campbell told Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.

Dan Campbell expect the Lions to improve once the DBs return from injury

While the Lions were without multiple starters against the Buccaneers, Detroit returned a key defender on Monday. Alim McNeil was activated from IR and made his 2025 debut in Week 7. The veteran DT suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 15 last year.

McNeill’s presence on the interior of the line should help the Lions contain the run better while also opening up additional pass rush opportunities for DE Aidan Hutchinson.

The eventual return of Marcus Davenport will also give the D-line a boost. Davenport landed on IR with a pectoral strain prior to Week 3. The veteran DE will likely rejoin the team after the Lions’ bye in Week 8.

However, Detroit’s secondary has been hit hardest by injuries. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brain Branch sat out Week 7 against the Bucs. While Kerby has a knee injury, Branch’s absence is self-inflicted.

The Pro Bowler got into an argument with JuJu Smith-Schuster after the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mele was banned for one game. The affiliate’s week 7 suspension was upheld after he appealed.

The Lions’ top two cornerbacks were also ejected on Monday. Terrion Arrond has been out since injuring his shoulder in Week 4. Arnold has returned to practice, and the former first-rounder should be back for a Week 9 divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

DJ Reed landed on injured reserve after week four with a hamstring strain. The Lions’ free agent addition is eligible to be activated for the first time in Week 10 when Detroit plays the Commanders in Washington.