2024 Revisited: Lions Top 10 Injury News with Present Updates
What a glorious season it was... until the playoffs
Despite a slew of defensive injuries in 2024, the Lions dominated the league with a 15-2 record, earning the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The injuries caught up to them immediately in the playoffs though, as the Lions lost 45-31 to the Washington Commanders.
Here’s a look back on the Top 10 Lions Injury News of the 2024 season with where-are-they-now updates…
#1 Aidan Hutchinson tib/fib fracture
October 13, 2024:
Hutchinson missed the final 13 games that season, but still led the team with 7.5 sacks.
Where are they now: Hutchinson had an excellent recovery from his leg fracture playing in all 17 games in the 2025 season. In October 2025, he inked a four-year, $180 million extension. He finished the season with 14.5 sacks, earning Pro Bowl and 2nd-team All-Pro accolades. Going into the 2026 season, he should be even stronger.
#2 Calamitous number of defensive injuries
The Lions impressively overcame a slew of defensive injuries to still have a remarkable regular season. However, in the playoffs, the Lions defense simply could not slow down Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense. A big reason was the following list of players who were out for the playoff game:
(In parentheses is number of full games missed due to injury, including playoffs.) Starters in bold.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE (13) - Left tib/fib fracture
Alim McNeill, DT (4) - Right ACL
Carlton Davis, CB (5) - Jaw fracture
Marcus Davenport, EDGE (16) - Left triceps
Derrick Barnes, LB (15) - Right MCL/PCL
John Cominsky, EDGE (18) - MCL
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (8) - Right ACL & left ankle
Kyle Peko, DT (14)- Left pec
Khalil Dorsey, CB (4) - Right tib/fib fracture
Mekhi Wingo, DT (7)- Right knee meniscus
Ennis Rakestraw, CB (10) - Hamstring
Pat O’Connor, DT (1) - Calf
Amik Robertson, CB (0) - Left humerus fracture early in the 1st quarter of playoff game.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, S (14) - Hamstring in 3rd quarter of playoff game. In regular season, ankle and hand.
Where are they now: Did things get better for the defense in the 2025 season? Certainly not for the secondary which suffered a devastating number of injuries, earning the #2 spot on the Lions Top 10 Injury News of 2025…
#3 Alim McNeill ACL
December 15, 2024:
Losing this defensive line star ended up being a major factor in the playoffs, as the defense couldn’t contain the run or the pass.
Where are they now: McNeill had a smooth recovery from his ACL, returning in about 10 months on October 20, 2025. While his production during the 2025 season wasn’t up to his previous standard, that is to be expected in the first year back from an ACL. He should be back to himself in 2026.
#4 The fortuitous offense
It’s not all bad news on these lists as the extremely healthy offense grabbed the #4 spot in 2024. It was the consistent dominance of the offense that carried the Lions through the regular season.
There were amazingly no long-term or season-ending injuries for the offense. The following is the list of the most significant injuries on offense in 2024:
(In parentheses are the number of full games missed due to injury including playoffs. Click on player links for injury video.)
Taylor Decker, OT (3) - Pec strain, rotator cuff, right MCL/ankle
Graham Glasgow, OG (1) - Unspecified knee
Where are they now: Coincidence (or not), almost all the players on the offensive injury list are not on the team anymore - the exception being Sam LaPorta who merited the #4 spot for the 2025 season with his herniated disc surgery…
The right shoulder issue that started in 2024 for Taylor Decker ended up causing chronic problems throughout 2025, eventually leading to his release after the season. His shoulder earned the #5 spot for the 2025 season…
#5 Carlton Davis jaw fracture
December 15, 2024:
The Lions lost their #1 CB for the rest of the season due to an unusual jaw fracture.
Where are they now: After the season, Davis signed with the New England Patriots. The Lions filled the void with DJ Reed who missed six games with a hamstring that nabbed the #8 spot for the 2025 season…
#6 David Montgomery MCL
December 15, 2024:
Knuckles was initially thought to be lost for the season, but recovered in time for the playoff game.
Where are they now: DMo looked fully recovered in the 2025 season as he showed excellent speed, burst, and quickness. However, the ratio of carries shifted significantly towards Jahmyr Gibbs. That didn’t sit well with Montgomery who prompted a trade to the Texans in the 2026 offseason.
As a fan, it’s disappointing to see him with another team, as his medical report is still very favorable.
#7 James Houston ankle fracture comeback
September 17, 2023:
Lions’ fans were hopeful that Houston - who lit it up in his 2022 rookie season with eight sacks - could recover from a devastating ankle fracture that eliminated most of his 2023 season.
Whether it was injury residual or coaching decision, things didn’t work out in the 2024 for Houston, as he was released after Week 12.
Where are they now: Houston has made a nice comeback in his career. During the 2025 season with the Cowboys, Houston played in 17 games and recorded 5.5 sacks. He is currently signed through 2026 with the Cowboys.
#8 Christian Mahogany mono
This 6th-round rookie missed the first half of the season due to infectious mononucleosis. Upon his return, he had a quick rise up the depth chart, becoming the primary OG backup by December.
Where are they now: Mahogany has had a very nice early start to his career, becoming the left guard starter in 2025. He missed six games due to a fibula fracture, but is fully recovered and the favorite to start at LG again in 2026.
#9 Ifeatu Melifonwu turbulent year
This rangy, athletic safety made multiple splash plays in the prior season, but just couldn’t stay healthy in 2024. An ankle (or more likely Achilles) injury followed by a hand fracture caused him to miss almost the entire season. His first appearance wasn’t until December in Week 15.
Then in the playoff game, he exited due to a hamstring strain…
January 18, 2025:
Where are they now: Melifonwu played 16 games with the Dolphins in 2025. Currently, he is an unrestricted free agent.
#10 Alex Anzalone forearm fracture
November 17, 2024:
One of the friendly fire injuries of 2024 entrapped Anzalone who went on to miss the next six games. He was able to successfully return for the end of the regular season and the playoffs.
Where are they now: Anzalone had a healthy 2025 season with the Lions, missing just one game with a concussion. He will play 2026 with the Tampa Bay Bucs, who signed him as a free agent.
For the 2025 Top 10 recap…
Lions Top 10 Injury News of 2025 Full Recap + Bonus #11 Onwuzurike & Paschal
The Detroit Lions Top 10 Injury News of the 2025 Season has been fully revealed, which caps off the fourth season I’ve been doing this series.