mlive
ALLEN PARK — As the Detroit Lions cope with the indefinite absence of defensive captain Jack Campbell, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard provided insight into the linebacker rotation and the plan for the defense's new signal-caller.
Campbell and rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder both suffered significant injuries on the same play early in the fourth quarter of the Lions' Week 8 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Rolder sustained a season-ending hamstring injury that may require surgery, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Meanwhile, Jack Campbell remains hospitalized at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit with a severe neck injury, and football is not part of the discussion as he continues his recovery.
In a statement released through the team on Wednesday, Campbell detailed his progress, including regaining movement in his lower extremities and continuing to improve his upper body. The Lions are fully aware of the severity of his injury, but they must also focus on the business of football, including a Week 9 road matchup against the struggling Miami Dolphins.
Sheppard acknowledged that the defense still belongs to Jack Campbell, but emphasized that his teammates must step up in his absence. That includes taking over the green dot, which designates the player who receives and relays defensive calls to the rest of the unit.
"I raised these other guys that's about to play," Sheppard said. "Malcolm Rodriguez and Derek Barnes. Those are my little brothers, and they know the standard. They both have worn the green dot before, so this isn't like a first-time ordeal for either one of them because that load might get shared. We're still working through that, but I'm confident in either one of them."
Derrick Barnes held court near his locker for nearly 25 minutes after Wednesday's practice, sharing his thoughts about Campbell and his preparation for green-dot responsibilities. Barnes handled those duties during his collegiate days at Purdue and has played alongside Campbell and former Lions linebacker and defensive signal-caller Alex Anzalone. That experience makes the linebacker unit's elder statesman an ideal fit for the role.
Sheppard also offered a lighthearted reminder about what he expects from whoever handles those duties. "And again, a lot of people make a lot out of the green dot. I think I told somebody back at the combine about this. All the green dot is, is listening and repeating. Let's make sure that don't change the play on me, D Barnes, out there. Hear what I say and say what I just said, please. And as long as he do that, he's going to do a tremendous job."
Trevor Nowaske, who is essentially in his fourth season in the defense and will also play a significant role Sunday, is another candidate. "This is a guy from SagNasty that is not supposed to be here," Sheppard said. "And he's out there playing at a high level for us right now and helping us win football games on the defensive side of football."
The Lions also added reinforcements earlier this week, signing linebacker KJ Britt from the New England Patriots practice squad and adding Joe Bachie to the active roster from their own practice squad. Bachie entered the league in 2020, signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie out of Michigan State. He has spent his seven-year career with six franchises and is in his first season with the Lions.
Sheppard's confidence in the unit extends to Bachie, including his ability to handle defensive communication if needed. "And even a guy like Joe Bachie, who everybody in this room is like, Bachie? Bachie, he's number 35," Sheppard said. "He's going to have a role in this game, and we trust him wholeheartedly if he needs to put on the green dot to stand in front of that unit."
When Rolder and Campbell were injured, Bachie was concerned for his teammates' health. He also had to prepare for the likelihood that the Lions would call his number. While it's an opportunity for Bachie to showcase what he can offer the defense, he's keeping the focus on the team.
"I wouldn't even say it's about me. I mean, I think as a team, we get another opportunity to go out there and play the game. We go out there and play for 46 (Jack Campbell), go out there, prepare like him all week because he's one of the best I've been around at that, and that's the truth," Bachie said. "And I've been around some great players, but just prepare like him, go out there and play like him this week. And it's another opportunity. It's another NFL team. If we don't go out there ready to go, bad things can happen. So we got to prepare all week and go put our best foot forward to Miami."
Key Analysis
The Lions' ability to adapt without Jack Campbell will be tested as they face the Dolphins. With multiple players capable of wearing the green dot, the defense has options, but the leadership void left by Campbell is significant. The coaching staff's confidence in the depth and preparation of the unit will be crucial in maintaining defensive consistency.
Originally reported by mlive.