Right Before the Big Clash With Eagles, Detroit Lions Receive Bad News as Veteran Defensive Duo Will Be Unable to Play and Expected to Miss at Least Four Games

November 15, 2025

Detroit, Michigan – Right before the highly anticipated matchup between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, the team receives bad news as two defensive pillars will be absent. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and veteran defensive player Pat O'Connor will be unable to play due to injury, and expected to miss at least four games. This absence is a significant loss, especially as the Lions are seeking an important victory in Week 11 to maintain playoff hopes.

Responding to the injury situation, head coach Dan Campbell shared with ESPN:

“The is news not wanted for the team. Arnold and O’Connor are players who bring depth and valuable experience to the defensive line. We will have to adjust and find ways to compensate, but clearly losing them will be a big challenge for the entire team.”

This statement makes Lions fans unavoidably worried before the important matchup.

Pat O’Connor, with 6 seasons of experience, once contributed to the Super Bowl champion team with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has played 106 defensive snaps and 143 in special teams through eight games this season. Although not a regular starter, O’Connor brings necessary depth to the defensive line and plays an important role in special situations. His absence raises questions about personnel rotation capability.

Meanwhile, Terrion Arnold is one of the defensive corner pillars, ensuring the ability to prevent deep passes and support the Eagles' attack. Without Arnold, the Lions will have to rely more on reserve players and adjust defensive tactics. Both players are expected to miss at least four games, with the possibility of returning in Week 15 when the Lions host the Los Angeles Rams.

The absence of Arnold and O’Connor will force head coach Dan Campbell to be creative in distributing defensive personnel. The Lions will rely on Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, DJ Reader and Roy Lopez to fill the gap, while hoping the reserves can adapt quickly. The matchup with the Eagles is not only a battle of scores, but also a test of the Lions' rotation and adaptation ability in this challenging season.