Lions’ Newly acquired Za’Darius Smith sustain ankle injury, bizarre… see more… Lions

The Detroit Lions’ defense was already poised for a significant upgrade in 2024, thanks to the offseason acquisition of veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. However, just as the Lions were beginning to feel the full impact of their new defensive centerpiece, the former Pro Bowl linebacker sustained a surprising ankle injury in a training session that has left the team and fans alike questioning what comes next.

The Trade That Sparked Optimism

Za’Darius Smith, a force on the edge, came to Detroit in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, where he had spent the previous two seasons. The Lions had been looking to bolster their pass rush to complement an already improved defense under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Smith’s arrival was seen as a key move to solidify the Lions’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, an area that had been inconsistent for them in recent years.

Over the last several seasons, Smith had established himself as one of the most effective edge rushers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors and accumulating over 50 career sacks, including a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2019. His ability to disrupt plays, both as a pass rusher and in run defense, immediately elevated the Lions’ defense to a new level of promise. Expectations were high that Smith would form a dynamic duo alongside Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit’s young standout defensive end, providing the Lions with one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing tandems.

The Injury That Stunned Fans

Unfortunately, just as Detroit fans were starting to get excited about the potential of their revamped defense, disaster struck in the form of an ankle injury to Smith during an early practice. The injury occurred during what was described as a routine drill, but the details surrounding how exactly it happened remain somewhat unclear. Team sources have stated that it was a freak occurrence, with Smith twisting his ankle while trying to avoid a blocking pad in what seemed to be a non-contact situation.

For a player of Smith’s caliber, who relies heavily on explosiveness and agility to generate pressure, an ankle injury is particularly concerning. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated, but early reports suggest that it could sideline Smith for several weeks, with the possibility of missing the start of the regular season. While nothing has been confirmed, the Lions’ medical staff will likely err on the side of caution, especially given how critical Smith’s presence is expected to be in the team’s defensive schemes.

A Setback for the Lions’ Defense

If Smith’s injury proves to be more than just a minor setback, it could put a significant dent in the Lions’ defensive plans for 2024. The team had hoped that Smith’s ability to pressure the quarterback from the outside would give them a legitimate threat alongside Hutchinson, making it more difficult for opposing offenses to game plan. Losing Smith, even temporarily, would force the Lions to rely on younger and less experienced players to fill the void.

One of the biggest challenges for Detroit is finding a suitable replacement for Smith’s pass-rushing ability. While Hutchinson has shown immense promise, especially as a rookie, he will now likely face even more attention from opposing offensive lines if Smith is unavailable. The Lions have a few other potential pass-rushers on the roster, such as James Houston, who impressed as a rookie last season, but none possess the same level of established production as Smith.

The Silver Lining: Depth and Adaptability

On the plus side, the Lions’ front office did a good job of adding depth to their defensive line and linebacker corps during the offseason. Even with Smith sidelined, Detroit has options to adjust. Players like John Cominsky and rookie Derick Hall could see more significant playing time, and this could allow for the emergence of other contributors in Smith’s absence.

Additionally, head coach Dan Campbell’s system has always been one that emphasizes versatility and adaptability. Aaron Glenn has developed a scheme that is more about collective effort than relying on individual brilliance. While Smith’s presence would certainly be missed, the Lions could adapt by rotating their defensive line more frequently and finding ways to get creative with blitz packages and defensive line stunts to compensate for the loss.

Moving Forward

For Smith, this injury represents another frustrating chapter in what has already been a somewhat tumultuous career in recent years. After spending the first four seasons of his career in Baltimore, where he established himself as one of the league’s top pass rushers, Smith has had a series of ups and downs in terms of health and consistency. After a dominant first year with the Green Bay Packers in 2019, Smith’s production dipped, and he was eventually traded to the Vikings in 2022. Now, after one promising season in Minnesota, he had hoped to find a fresh start with the Lions—only to see another setback arise.

For the Lions, this injury presents a tough challenge at a critical juncture, as they look to capitalize on the momentum they gained from a strong 2023 season. With Smith still expected to play a major role in their defensive future, the team must remain optimistic and focus on their depth and coaching to weather the storm. The Lions’ ability to handle this adversity in the early stages of the season will speak volumes about their growth as a franchise.

Conclusion

Za’Darius Smith’s ankle injury is undeniably a bizarre and frustrating turn of events for the Detroit Lions, especially given the anticipation surrounding his impact on the team’s defense. While the injury could delay Smith’s full integration into the Lions’ defensive plans, the team’s depth and adaptability will be key in managing this setback. As the Lions wait for further updates on Smith’s condition, the hope remains that he can return to form quickly and help propel Detroit toward its goal of becoming a Super Bowl contender in the coming years.