Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard had a hard time keeping his emotions in check Thursday as he talked about Jack Campbell’s injury and what comes next for Detroit’s defense.
Campbell, the Lions linebacker and defensive captain, suffered a neck injury early in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Medical staff put him on a backboard and carted him off the field.
The team later shared an encouraging update, and Campbell was still hospitalized Wednesday. He also released a statement of his own, saying, “I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body,” he wrote.
Sheppard said the focus now is on carrying Campbell’s standard forward in the way the linebacker would expect. “The theme has been let’s prepare and play like 46,” Sheppard said.
He pushed that point even further, telling the defense to channel Campbell by getting back to work instead of dwelling on what happened. “The way you honor him is to wipe those tears from your eyes and make sure we prepare and play like him,” Sheppard said.
The moment that sent the sideline into a frenzy came as Campbell was being taken off the field. Detroit was clinging to a slim lead, and Sheppard made an unusual call on fourth down.
Aidan Hutchinson, who had been crying as Campbell lay motionless, came screaming off the edge. Derrick Barnes, one of Campbell’s closest friends, blitzed from the other side.
They got to quarterback Kyler Murray, forcing a pass that sailed and was broken up.
Now Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske are expected to take on more of the workload. Still, Sheppard made it clear he sees the defense as Campbell’s unit.
“This is still Jack Campbell’s defense,” Sheppard said. “Every time I call a play, he’s going to know, wherever he’s at, why I’m calling that play.”
On Wednesday, Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley also opened his news conference by mentioning Campbell. “We are thinking of him and praying for him and for the Lions,” Hafley said.
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