When the Detroit Lions take the field in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, they'll be doing it without a key member of their defense – Jack Campbell.
It marks the Lions' first contest since the linebacker suffered a terrifying neck injury during the team's Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings
. The injury left Campbell laying on the field motionless before being carted off the field on a backboard as emotional teammates looked on.Campbell issued a statement about his condition on Wednesday, Nov. 4. He said that he has movement in his lower body and was making progress towards regaining movement in his upper body. It was an encouraging update that extended beyond the generic ones provided earlier in the week.
Lions LB Jack Campbell's neck injury update, spine experts say
On Nov. 7, the Lions announced they were placing the linebacker on injured reserve. It's a reminder that Campbell has a long way to go in his recovery.
As for his teammates, they are back to work without him. Here's what to know about Campbell and the latest on his condition.
What is Jack Campbell's condition?
Campbell announced in a statement on Nov. 4 that he has full movement in his lower body. He is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.
It was the first concrete update on Campbell's condition since the injury occurred on Sunday, Nov. 1. Prior to Campbell's statement, the team had issued more general updates, saying that preliminary results were positive.
Latest Jack Campbell injury update
Jack Campbell has been placed on injured reserve, the Lions announced on Nov. 7.
The linebacker announced in a statement on Nov. 4 that he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.
Dan Campbell previously provided small update on Jack Campbell's status during a Tuesday, Nov. 3, radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket.
"It's not easy because he's always going to be on our minds over here," Dan Campbell said of Jack Campbell, when addressing the Lions' preparation for Week 9. "The good news is he is improving."
The Lions coach made it clear he is providing his players with updates about Jack Campbell's status through the team's captains.
"I think the thought of him – knowing he's doing better, and I've kept the captains up to date, and they've let the other guys know its good news," Dan Campbell said, referencing how players were reacting to the situation. "I think that helps everybody just get a better handle on all this."
Campbell also added that he is trying to keep his players focused on their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, expressing concern that "bad things can happen" if players aren't able to be all-in on their gameday responsibilities.
What happened to Jack Campbell?
Campbell went down with a neck injury after tackling Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.
He stayed down as the training staff and medical personnel surrounded him and a cart arrived. Campbell was loaded onto a backboard before the cart took him off the field. He was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for a neck injury after exiting the team's Week 8 win over the Vikings.
The Lions announced late Sunday night that Campbell was resting and was scheduled to remain in a local hospital overnight for continued evaluation and monitoring.
Jack Campbell statement
Jack Campbell issued a statement, via the Lions' X account on Nov. 4. Here it is, in its entirety:
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
Who is Jack Campbell?
Campbell is a linebacker for the Detroit Lions.
The 26-year-old is in his fourth NFL season, all with Detroit. The Lions drafted Campbell with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he starred in college for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Campbell broke out during his junior season with the Hawkeyes, totaling 143 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack in 2021. Returning for his senior season, Campbell was named an All-American in 2022 and received the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football.
He also received the William V. Campbell Trophy, also known as the "academic Heisman," in 2022 for being recognized as the college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership and on-field performance.
Campbell slid right in as a key piece of the Lions' defense after arriving in the NFL. However, he didn't officially break out until his third season. Campbell recorded 176 total tackles, three forced fumbles and five sacks en route to being named a first-team All-Pro and earning his first Pro Bowl appearance last season.
On May 21, 2026, the Lions recognized Campbell's breakout with a four-year, $81 million extension.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happened to Jack Campbell? Latest injury updates on Lions LB
