Detroit Lions Darius Slay will not play
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (30) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Darius Slay seemed to be turning a corner following a phenomenal performance against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. After being burned throughout the year, Slay stuck to whichever Packers receiver he was covering and made plenty of plays with three passes defended. Unfortunately, Slay hasn’t been able to play since that breakout game, as he suffered a torn meniscus during the Lions practice session exactly a week after the game.
This is the third straight week Slay has been listed doubtful following that injury, and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that it will also be a third straight absence for Slay. The Lions were, of course, never expected to have him out there, but it’s not a big blow against the New York Giants with Victor Cruz out for the season. Brandon Pettigrew has also been ruled out, as expected, but the most important injury is linebacker DeAndre Levy’s. He didn’t practice at all this week, but he’s still only questionable to play.
Darius Slay needed arthroscopic knee surgery last Friday to repair his torn meniscus, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s out for the remainder of the regular season. It doesn’t seem like Slay is close to returning, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on all updates next week. The Minnesota Vikings are a division rival, but they aren’t a big test for the Lions. While they are locked in a huge battle for the NFC North crown, they have the easiest final two games of either team. Slay is going to be an interesting player in 2014, because he has shown enough promise as a rookie despite his struggles.