It can be valuable in football, medicine, and life in general to look back in time to see how events played out. Here is a revisit of my Detroit Lions Top 10 Player Injury Concerns Entering the 2025 Season, as published on Lions Wire last September.
Programming note: For those who have read my injury analysis work on Lions Wire the past two seasons, it will only be available here on my Substack for 2026. I appreciate all of you who have already subscribed, paid or free.
Let’s see how it worked out for all these players in 2025, along with their outlook for 2026.
🟢Good outcome in 2025 season
🟡Ok outcome in 2025 season
🔴Bad outcome in 2025 season
🟢#1. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE
HEALTH CONCERN: Season-ending left tib/fib fracture on October 13, 2024. Would there be any mental and physical limitations for Hutchinson coming off a serious leg fracture?
2025 OUTCOME: While there may have been some mental hurdles early, Hutch had a healthy and productive season in 2025, finishing with 14.5 sacks. He missed zero games on the year and only had a minor left elbow issue to note.
2026 OUTLOOK: The 2026 season should be even stronger for Hutchinson, especially if he can cut back on his snap counts. The addition of a Wolverine running mate in Derrick Moore will help.
🔴#2. Marcus Davenport, EDGE
HEALTH CONCERN: Season-ending left triceps tear on September 22, 2024. Could Davenport stay healthy after missing so much time in recent seasons?
2025 OUTCOME: Davenport had another major injury in 2025 with a right pec/shoulder that kept him out for nine games. He finished with just one sack on the season.
2026 OUTLOOK: Currently, he remains unsigned as a free agent.
🟢#3. Derrick Barnes, LB
HEALTH CONCERN: Season-ending right MCL/PCL on September 22, 2024 with subsequent surgery. Could Barnes recover fully from a significant knee injury?
2025 OUTCOME: Barnes did not miss a game in 2025. However, his production and playmaking were a bit underwhelming.
2026 OUTLOOK: At just 27 years old entering the 2026 season, he could still reach a higher ceiling.
🟢#4. David Montgomery, RB
HEALTH CONCERN: Right MCL on December 15, 2024. This knee injury was initially thought to require surgery, but recovered with just rehab. While DMo was able to return for the playoff game, he didn’t look like himself. Would there be knee residuals?
2025 OUTCOME: Knuckles looked fully back to form - displaying sharp cuts, excellent burst, and power all season. He did not miss a game in 2025. However, his role was reduced causing him to be dissatisfied.
2026 OUTLOOK: Montgomery was traded to the Texans and is looking very healthy heading into the season.
🔴#5. Mekhi Wingo, DT
HEALTH CONCERN: Season-ending right knee meniscus on November 28, 2024. There was a prolonged recovery with this meniscus cartilage injury due to a follow-up knee surgery. Were there residual issues from the cartilage damage?