When Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis suffered a high ankle sprain during Detroit’s pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills in August, the fear was that he could be out of the lineup for some time.
After all, those kinds of injuries routinely keep players out for six weeks or longer.
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However, he was back in action on September 22 against the Eagles, just under a month later. Davis himself said that he was “truly blessed” to have not been forced to miss a significant amount of time.
Needless to say, the Lions coaching staff was impressed – and surprised at the same time!
“I was shocked,” Lions linebackers coach Al Golden admitted. “Because a high ankle, to the degree that he had it, it’s tough. The previous week he was trying to make a run at it, against L.A. And he didn’t quite get there. And then he said, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to be ready to go for Philly,’ and I was like, ‘Whoa, really?’”
Davis’ play has drawn mixed reviews since his return. According to Pro Football Focus, Davis is currently worst qualifying linebacker in the NFL through Week 4. Defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni took issue with that ranking, saying it isn’t accurate.
“I’d be careful there,” Pasqualoni said. “The guy brings a lot. He’s the quarterback of the defense. Does an awful lot for us. He really, really does. Love him. Me personally, love him. No issues.”
Of course, Golden knows there will be some growing pains when a player returns from what could have been a serious injury. However, he believes Davis is displaying the work ethic necessary to return at the highest level.
“He pushed to come back, but like anything else there’s some adversity that comes with that. And I think he battled through that the last two weeks and I think, like I said, this break is going to be great for him,” Golden explained. “He’s going to feel great when he comes back, he’s going to be completely healthy and he doesn’t have to worry about maintaining or going to the training room, now he can get back to his schedule of studying. I think that’s important for him. That’s the kind of player he is.”
The Lions are currently in their bye-week, and will return to action on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers on October 14.
