The Detroit Lions are currently on the outside looking in of the playoffs, adding more urgency to the remaining three games of the season. They have no wiggle room and need to win out with some help to get into the dance, but it starts with handling business on the field.
The defense has faced several injuries this season, especially in the secondary, and that continued entering Week 16 with CB Amik Robertson. He suffered a hand injury in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and there’s no guarantee that he will play against the Steelers in Week 16.
Head coach Dan Campbell said they are “hopeful” he can suit up, but won’t know until they see how he moves in practice. “We’d like to believe he’s gonna have a chance to play here,” Campbell said, via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.
Amik Robertson Status for Week 16 Up in the Air
Robertson has been underwhelming this season for the Lions, but beggars can’t be choosers at this point. According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson has a 48.7 overall grade (106th among 108 graded CBs) and a 47.7 coverage grade (104th among 108 graded CBs). In addition, he has allowed a 110.7 passer rating when targeted while giving up 13.4 yards per reception.
He’s been in a rut, posting an overall grade of 52 or lower for the past five weeks. Despite this production, he has the trust of the coaching staff. It’s also worth noting that the Lions don’t have many other options in the secondary. Cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are on IR, as are safeties Brian Branch and Dan Jackson.
They are running out of options on the backend, which is why they would love to have Robertson in uniform and available to play. If he couldn’t give it a go in the slot, the Lions would likely roll with Arthur Maulet, who was brought back to the active roster on Dec. 9.
Nonetheless, Roberston has allowed 758 receiving yards and six touchdowns on the season, including five catches for 69 receiving yards against the Rams.
At the end of the day, the 27-year-old needs to play better, but the Lions don’t have many other horses they can use in the race. His availability for Week 16 is currently unknown, but it’s positive that Campbell is hopeful.
His injury designations at practice will be something to watch for the Lions as they chase a spot in the postseason.
