The Detroit Lions didn’t just lose the game against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. They also lost one of the focal points of their offensive attack.
Wide receiver Kenny Golladay exited the game with a hip injury, and isn’t expected to play this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings.
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While meeting virtually with media members this afternoon, Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell discussed the loss of Golladay, who leads the team with 338 yards in 2020, and how his team plans to make up for his absence as they prepare for their key divisional matchup.
“Obviously, Kenny will be a big loss for us because of the big plays he can do,” Bevell said Tuesday. “You’ve seen him the last couple weeks with over 100 yards in games, but we have other players and I think all of them need to step up and be able to help us make plays on offense.”
WR Marvin Hall, who had his first career 100+ yard game, helped shoulder the load after Golladay went down, and figures to be a key part of Bevell’s attack this weekend.
“Well, he did a nice job stepping in this last game, obviously, and made some really big plays for us,” Bevell said. “I expect him to step in there and do a great job for us and I think the thing he brings for us is speed. It’s the one quality that he has that you immediately see it on the field and you feel it. That can really change some things in the back end. We try to use that. We try to get it out there. When you’re out there more, obviously, he’s going to have more opportunities to make plays.”
Of course, another option that Bevell’s disposal is rookie Quintez Cephus, who has already helped step in for Golladay when he was sidelined with a hamstring injury earlier in the season.
“He’s a tireless worker,” Bevell said of Cephus. “He hasn’t just shut it down because he hasn’t been out there. And you really appreciate that. He’s stayed in the (play) book. He’s ready to go each and every game. Sometimes there’s decisions to be made — who is going to be active that week — but he’s definitely ready to go and he’ll do a fine job if he needs to be in there.”
The Lions and Vikings will get underway from U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST.
– – Quotes via Justin Rogers of The Detroit News Link – –