Dan Campbell addresses injuries, urgency, game plan ahead of Detroit Lions–Cowboys TNF matchup

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed managing games in which the team can score heavily against an opponent, as they did against the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, emphasizing a straightforward approach.

“I don’t think of it in any of those terms,” Campbell said. “You go in with a game plan specific to that opponent. If you’ve got them and you’re getting first downs, you want to use what you’ve got. It’s as simple as that. You’re just trying to move the ball and play football.”

Campbell noted there is no ill will in running up the score in games.

“There’s no ill will about it. You’re just trying to play football. We’re trying to score points and eliminate points on defense. That’s what they’re trying to do, too,” Campbell said.

In the face of the Lions’ recent struggles, including injuries and a tough Thanksgiving Day loss, Campbell rejected a defeatist mindset.

“I don’t think in those terms. The guys we have here are here for a reason. We’ve got plenty of talent and good dudes made the right way. The coaches are good. It’s really about playing winning football,” Campbell said.

Campbell stressed the importance of eliminating self-inflicted mistakes.

“The margin for error is small, but it’s doable. We have to eliminate the things that keep us from winning before we can actually win the game. Before battling the opponent, you’ve got to quit battling yourself,” Campbell said.

Dallas Cowboys

Campbell said the team’s sole focus is the upcoming game against Dallas.

“You can’t look beyond the one in front of you. It’s Dallas. That’s the sole focus. We have to digest the plan, understand the opponent, be ready to win those one-on-ones,” Campbell said.

Urgency has been a key theme in practice this week, but Campbell cautioned against panic.

“There’s always a level of urgency. The guys don’t like losing. It puts a bad taste in your mouth. The last two days have been really good. The guys have been locked in and flying around,” Campbell said.

Campbell said there’s urgency, not panic, with the team.

“But there’s urgency, not panic. When you panic, guys start making mistakes trying to do other people’s jobs. Just do your job, handle your business, be on point, and eliminate the things that require no talent, discipline, fundamentals, technique,” Campbell said.

Terrion Arnold

Campbell confirmed that Terrion Arnold’s shoulder injury was the same one that troubled him earlier in the year.

“It’s been there. It didn’t go away. It bothered him in this game a little bit. We felt something needed to be done,” Campbell said.

Arnold will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery.

NFL Insider Tom Pelissero broke the news on X, saying Arnold is scheduled for shoulder surgery this week.

The second-year defensive back was placed on injured reserve per the team’s injury report on Monday (Dec. 1) and was expected to miss at least the team’s next four games.

Arnold had missed two games earlier this season with a shoulder injury that many believed had ended his season.

Regarding Arnold’s injury struggles this season, Campbell called it a frustrating year.

“It’s been frustrating for him and for us. It just feels like one of those years. He got off to a good start, then the bug hit him, and it was one thing after another,” Campbell said.

Jameson Williams

Campbell expressed strong confidence in Jameson Williams to step up again in the absence of All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“High confidence. He’s really growing. He’s fearless. His fundamentals and route detail are improving. He’s becoming a hard cover guy with great run-after-catch ability,” Campbell said. “He works hard every day in practice. I love where he’s at.”

St. Brown also praised Williams for stepping up.

“He looked great. He’s been great all year. We all know JMo and his ability. He’s a ball of energy. I love being out there with him,” St. Brown said.

Williams spoke this week about his role as the team prepares to face the Cowboys, especially with St. Brown not practicing.

“We’re not really certain about what we’re going to do right now,” said Williams. “We just focus on what we can do and how we can attack Dallas. That’s our main thing right now.”

Williams emphasized the importance of getting the team back on track.

“We’re just putting the pieces together and looking to get back on the winning track,” Williams said.

When asked if he felt he proved anything last week, Williams was humble.

“I don’t really look into me proving people wrong. People are going to think what they want, regardless of what you do or don’t do. I just go out there and do my job the best I can,” Williams said.

NFL volatility

Campbell addressed the NFL’s volatility this season and how it affects his team’s outlook.

“It didn’t change. I don’t think it changes anything,” Campbell said. “All you can worry about is what’s right in front of you. You’ve got to play the best game you can and manage it the best you can.”

Campbell acknowledged the Cowboys’ strength.

“We know that’s a potent offense over there. They’re playing really good defensive football. The D-line is very strong,” Campbell said. “It’s going to take all three phases. We need all three units to step up and play big.”

Campbell described Dallas as confident and rugged.

“They’re hot right now, playing really good football. They’ve got a lot of confidence. They’re built off the offensive line and defensive line, but have explosiveness on the perimeter. Dak’s playing at a high level,” Campbell said.

Despite the challenge, Campbell said the Lions are ready.

“We know we’ve got our hands full, but we’re up to the challenge. We know what’s in front of us. You can’t worry about other teams or what it looks like in the NFC. It doesn’t matter,” Campbell said.

Campbell emphasized the importance of winning the next game.

“We’ve got to win this one. Let’s worry about that right now,” Campbell said.

When asked how much he monitors the league’s standings and confidence shifts, Campbell said he doesn’t focus on it.

“I don’t even look at it. The one time we did was right after the bye week. I showed where everything was at then, but I haven’t looked since,” Campbell said.

Campbell explained why he avoids looking.

“It does no good. You can sit there and hope, but it doesn’t matter. We have to take care of our business. All the right things could happen, and if you lose, it doesn’t matter. You’ve got to win. You’ve got to win,” Campbell said.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

On St. Brown’s injury progress, Campbell said he’s improving but not practicing yet.

“He’s better. If he can play, he’ll play. But I don’t see him this week,” Campbell said.

St. Brown suffered the injury during Thursday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day while blocking for running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first quarter.

During the play, two offensive linemen rolled up on his ankle.

St. Brown was targeted only once and did not make a catch in his limited time on the field.

The All-Pro wide receiver suffered a low ankle sprain, and according to reports, St. Brown could return to the lineup “sooner than later.”

National Football League Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on X that the MRI and other tests showed a low-ankle sprain with no structural damage, and St. Brown could miss one to two weeks.

Pelissero added that St. Brown was not expected to be placed on injured reserve and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

Kerby Joseph

Finally, Campbell discussed Kerby Joseph’s return to practice.

“That was his first time out there in individual drills. Sometimes you hope for more the first time back, but that doesn’t mean it’s a setback,” Campbell said. “He’s been busting his tail to get back. We just continue to treat it and try to limit the pain so he can produce.”

Joseph posted to “GOD HELP ME” in all caps in his story.

He hasn’t played or practiced since Week 6, when the Lions went to Kansas City and fell to the Chiefs 30-17.

According to reports, Kerby conducted individual drills with his team on Monday (Dec. 1).

Thomas Harper has been starting at safety in Joseph’s absence, racking up 20 solo tackles and one interception so far.

The 7-5 Lions will kick off at 8:15 p.m. on Amazon against the 6-5-1 Cowboys on Thursday.