The Detroit Lions received a significant blow to their defensive unit this week as veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham was placed on injured reserve (IR), sidelining him for at least the next four games. Cunningham, who had already missed time earlier this season due to a nagging hamstring injury, re-aggravated the same injury during Monday night’s game, forcing the team’s hand just as they prepare for a critical stretch in their schedule.
This development comes at an inconvenient time for the Lions, who are currently in the thick of the NFC playoff race. While Cunningham has not been a full-time starter this season, his role as a rotational linebacker and special teams contributor has proven valuable, especially in high-leverage game situations. Losing his veteran presence could force the Lions to rely more heavily on younger, less experienced players during a period when defensive consistency is paramount
Cunningham, 28, joined the Lions during the offseason in a move that was widely praised for bolstering Detroit’s linebacker depth. A former second-round pick of the Houston Texans, Cunningham brought with him over seven years of NFL experience, including a league-leading 164 tackles in 2020. His tenure with Detroit, however, has been marred by injury struggles, including an earlier hamstring issue that kept him out for three games prior to his return in Week 6.
Despite a reduced snap count in Detroit’s scheme, Cunningham’s role extended beyond the stat sheet. He brought leadership, game intelligence, and positional flexibility — all valuable assets for a young and evolving defense. With the Lions defense ranking in the top half of the league in both yards and points allowed, consistency and experience are vital as they look to maintain momentum down the stretc
Cunningham’s absence will create ripple effects across the Lions’ defensive depth chart. The linebacker group now leans even more heavily on starters Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell, along with rotational contributors Derrick Barnes and Grant Stuard. While the young players have shown flashes of promise, the lack of depth could become a concern, particularly if further injuries arise.
Rookie linebacker Trevor Nowaske, a standout during training camp and preseason, could see his role increase. Though unproven at the NFL level, Nowaske has shown promise on special teams and may be pressed into action on defense. Additionally, the Lions coaching staff may need to adjust defensive packages to compensate for the lack of veteran depth — potentially relying more heavily on nickel and dime formations with extra defensive backs rather than traditional linebacker sets.
The next four games are crucial for Detroit’s playoff hopes. With matchups looming against playoff-caliber opponents, including division rival Minnesota Vikings and NFC contenders like the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions must maintain defensive discipline and limit big plays. Linebacker depth becomes especially critical when facing teams with dynamic running backs and mobile quarterbacks — both of which are featured in Detroit’s upcoming opponents.
Furthermore, Cunningham’s stint on IR may not be limited to just four games. While NFL rules require players placed on IR to miss a minimum of four games, the actual recovery timeline for a hamstring injury — especially one that has been re-aggravated — can vary widely. The team will likely proceed with caution to avoid further setbacks
While losing Cunningham is a setback, there’s a silver lining: his placement on IR frees up a roster spot. The Lions quickly used it to activate defensive back Brian Branch, who had been recovering from an ankle injury. Branch, a rookie standout, returns just in time to boost the Lions’ secondary, which could be a key part of managing linebacker shortages by shifting more focus toward pass-heavy defensive sets.
Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn face a challenging task over the next month. They’ll need to strike a balance between giving younger players opportunities to grow and ensuring the defense remains solid against high-powered offenses. With the Lions off to one of their best starts in decades and legitimate playoff aspirations on the line, every decision counts.
Zach Cunningham’s return could still be a factor later in the season, particularly as the Lions enter December and the postseason push intensifies. But for now, Detroit must adapt, adjust, and overcome — hallmarks of any great team facing adversit