2022 Revisited: Lions Top 10 Injury News with Present Updates
The season when the Lions turned into a contender
The 2022 season marked a transition point for the Detroit Lions. Recall that the team started the season 1-6 and was in position to have the #1 overall pick in the draft.
A huge turnaround followed. The Lions finished 9-8, capped by a statement win over the Packers in the season finale. There were many highlights that game including this epic 4th-down stop by Alex Anzalone…
Despite not making the playoffs, this season will go down in memory as the one when the Lions went from pretender to contender. It set the stage for an epic 2-year run in 2023 and 2024…
Here’s a look back at the top Detroit Lions injury stories of the 2022 season, along with where-are-they-now updates.
#1 Saivion Smith temporary paralysis
A seemingly innocuous play led to a temporary paralysis for Saivion Smith. The game was stopped for a prolonged period as an ambulance transferred him to the hospital. Fortunately, he had full neurologic recovery within seconds to minutes, although he did later require a spinal fusion.
He was re-signed by the Lions for the 2023 season and participated in training camp, but did not make the roster.
2026 UPDATE: Smith did not appear in an NFL game since his injury and is currently out of the NFL.
#2 Tracy Walker Achilles rupture
This team captain ruptured his Achilles in Game 3 and missed the season. The secondary greatly missed his presence, but it opened the way for the emergence of a superstar, Kerby Joseph, later in the season.
This injury dramatically impacted Walker’s career as he only played one more season in the NFL.
2026 UPDATE: Walker has not been with an NFL team since early in the 2024 season (49ers), and his career appears to be over.
Walker’s case is why there is legitimate concern for the outcome of Brian Branch, as noted by this reader…
For the full analysis, visit Brian Branch Achilles injury analysis & outlook.
#3 Halapoulivaati Vaitai suspected spinal nerve impingement
During preseason, the Lions lost their starting RG for the year due to a suspected spinal nerve issue. In the video, you can see him tapping his butt and right foot indicating possible neurological symptoms.
Vaitai ended up needing season-ending back surgery to try to address the problem. He was able to return next season but only appeared in six games due to back and knee issues.
2026 UPDATE: Vaitai has not appeared in the NFL since the 2023 season, and his career appears to be over. The Lions RG position appears to be finally stabilized long-term with Tate Ratledge.
#4 D’Andre Swift shoulder separation and ankle sprain
This former Lions’ 2nd-round pick visibly battled through multiple injuries all season, including a shoulder separation and ankle sprain. The health reliability concerns may have caused the Lions to move on, as the team drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and traded Swift in the following draft.
2026 UPDATE: Since leaving the Lions after the 2022 season, Swift elevated his career and has stayed impressively healthy. He had over 1000 yards rushing in 2023 (Eagles) and 2025 (Bears).
It has also worked out well for the Lions since, as Gibbs has been incredibly productive and healthy - only two games missed.
#5 Jeff Okudah amazing (at first) Achilles recovery
After tearing his Achilles in Week 1 of 2021, Okudah was back to full strength by the next preseason. In the first half of the 2022 season, he was playing like a shutdown CB. His athleticism amazingly appeared to be better than prior to the injury.
However, his play started to slip in the latter parts of the 2022 season, which was his last with the Lions.
2026 UPDATE: Okudah has bounced around the NFL since leaving the Lions. He appeared in 6 games last year with the Vikings, before multiple concussions ended his season. Currently, he is an unsigned free agent.
The Lions CB room has yet to find any long-term consistency since.
#6 DJ Chark mystery ankle injury
There was nothing obvious on video as to what happened to Chark’s ankle. Thus, it was a mystery why he missed the next six games. A possible factor was an ankle fracture in 2021.
When available, Chark was a productive, impactful WR that season.
2026 UPDATE: Chark last appeared in the NFL in 2024 with the Chargers. Currently, he is retired.
The Lions have had no issues in the WR room after nailing the draft with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and potentially Isaac TeSlaa.