The Detroit Lions are getting ready to play their first game since linebacker Jack Campbell went down with a scary neck injury in the team's Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard made it clear that the team has one goal as it prepares to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. That's to play exactly like Campbell.
"I looked at that call sheet, and said, 'Let's go for 46.' I heard Aidan [Hutchinson]. And I said, let's do it. What would he want?" Sheppard told the Detroit media on Friday, Nov. 6, referencing Campbell by his jersey number. "And just so you guys know, that's kind of the theme of the week. For sure as a defense, but as a team."
Sheppard acknowledged the difficult nature of dealing with Campbell's
injury as a team, even amid news that the 26-year-old is taking positive steps in his recovery and is able to move his lower body.
"It's hard. You're kidding yourself to say it's not hard," Sheppard said. "For the players to see something like that happen to anyone, let alone a player of his stature, of his makeup, it's hard. And to think these players are just gonna walk back in here like nothing happened?"
Nonetheless, Sheppard explained that preparing and playing like Campbell has helped Lions players focus on the upcoming game, which is exactly what he knows the 26-year-old linebacker would want.
"The theme has been let's prepare and play like 46," Sheppard said. "Every day. What would 46 want me to do today? Would he want us to sulk and feel sorry? I guarantee – y'all know Jack – absolutely not. He'll be pissed off if he found out guys are crying and guys are like about him. That's just his makeup and that's what makes him the person that he is."
"So, that's what we're doing in everything we do," he continued. "Every meeting, I told the unit; every walkthrough; every play. You all know how Jack prepares. You all know how Jack plays. The way you honor him is to wipe those tears from your eyes and make sure we prepare and play like him."
Lions coach Dan Campbell reiterated that message in his final media availability before the Week 9 game against the Dolphins, while also providing more positive updates about Jack Campbell.
"Jack continues to improve, which is all great news," Dan Campbell said. "This is about, man, how would he prepare? How would he play? Those are the standards for us going into this game. We owe it to him."
Jack Campbell injury update
Jack Campbell announced in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.
Below is a full look at his statement, which was released via the Lions' X account.
My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days. It means more to us than words can express.
I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body. I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.
My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan. I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.
I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field. I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.
To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. This team is a family to me, and the way everyone has been there for me means everything. I’m proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.
One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit. That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge.
Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.
God is good. My faith is strong.
Jack Campbell
Campbell was originally injured after awkwardly bending his head backward while trying to tackle Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson in Week 8. The linebacker had to be carted off the field on a backboard and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Let's go for 46': Emotional Lions dedicating week to injured Jack Campbell
