Detroit Lions limp into looming Week 4 test against Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to travel to Detroit for their Week 4 tilt, we will be keeping close watch on the status of several Lions players.

The Detroit Lions cemented a remarkable upset victory at Philadelphia on Sunday to move to 2-0-1 on the season. Even more impressively, Detroit staved off Carson Wentz and the Eagles without some key members of the defense.

As the Chiefs prepare to travel to Detroit for their Week 4 tilt, we will be keeping a close watch on the status of several Lions players. Here’s what we know.

Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay left the game for good in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Slay is a cornerstone of the Detroit defense and would be a huge loss for the Lions if he can’t go next week. It’s possible he’s not ready to go in Week 4.

Defensive tackle Mike Daniels left the game with a foot injury and did not return. Daniels was seen walking with crutches and a walking boot after the game. X-rays after the game were negative, but it remains to be seen how this injury will affect Daniels’ status for the Chiefs game.

Linebacker Jarrad Davis missed the first two weeks of the season with an ankle injury that has pestered him since the preseason. The former first-round pick played most of the Eagles game, leaving only momentarily to retape the ankle. He should be fine to play the Chiefs. Davis was a key component in shutting down Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, and the Chiefs can expect Travis Kelce to receive the same attention.

Defensive end Da’Shawn Hand missed the Eagles game with an elbow injury. He is not expected to return until after the Lions’ Week 5 bye.

Cornerback Rashaan Melvin played 75 out of 76 defensive snaps at Philadelphia with a sore knee. If Slay can’t go, Melvin will be the key member of the Lions cornerback group followed by two undrafted free agents, Justin Coleman and Southeast Missouri State grad Mike Ford.

Sunday will mark the first time we will get to see Patrick Mahomes play a regular-season game in a dome. Playing against Kansas City and the high-flying Chiefs offense is a large enough task with a healthy defense, but if the Lions aren’t at full strength, it could be a long afternoon for Matt Patricia and his team.