Detroit Lions Lose Veteran Linebacker Before Final Cuts

August 26, 2026 - 01:19

The Detroit Lions will be without veteran linebacker Damone Clark for the foreseeable future. Head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Tuesday that Clark is dealing with a significant injury, effectively ruling him out indefinitely as the team prepares to finalize its 53-man roster.

Campbell did not specify the exact nature of the ailment, but he made it clear that the injury is serious enough to remove Clark from the immediate plans. The timing is particularly tough for the former LSU standout, who was competing for a depth role in the linebacker corps after joining the Lions earlier this offseason. Clark had been seeing snaps with the second and third units during training camp and the preseason, trying to carve out a niche on a defense that has undergone significant turnover.

The news comes just days before the league-wide cutdown deadline, when teams must trim their rosters from 80 players down to 53. Clark's injury likely means he will either be placed on injured reserve, which would end his season, or he could be waived with an injury settlement if the team decides to move on. Either way, the Lions lose a physical presence who had shown promise as a run-stopper and special teams contributor.

Detroit's linebacker room still has solid depth with Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes leading the way, but losing Clark thins the bench. The team may now look to the waiver wire or a late free-agent signing to add another body before the season opener. For Clark, the focus shifts to recovery and hoping for another opportunity down the line, but for now, his status with the Lions looks uncertain.