Report: Slay A 'Long-Shot' To Play Against Dallas, Questionable Beyond That
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
If the Lions are to win their first division title in 26 years, they may have to do so without their top cornerback and arguably their best defensive player.
Per Ian Rapoport, Darius Slay is a "long-shot" to play next Monday against Dallas and could miss time beyond that after re-injuring his hamstring in the Lions' loss to the Giants on Sunday.
Slay suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game while making a play on Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham had been held in check up to that point, but burned the Lions with a one-handed touchdown catch late in the game when Slay was in the locker room.
Slay's hamstring issue originated in Week 7 when he was forced out of action against the Redskins. He went on to miss the next two games before returning to the lineup in Week 11 against the Jags. (The Lions were on bye in Week 10.)
If Slay is unable to play next week against Dallas, his loss will be a big one for the Lions. He's in the midst of a Pro-Bowl caliber season and would be the perfect answer to Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant. Slay memorably shut down Bryant when the Lions and Cowboys clashed in the 2014 playoffs.
Without Slay, Nevin Lawson becomes the Lions top cornerback and Johnson Bademosi fills in behind him.
Slay thanked Lions' fans for their encouragement following Sunday's unfortunate turn of events.
If the Lions lose next week or the Packers beat the Vikings, the NFC North title will come down to a winner-take-all clash between Detroit and Green Bay on Jan 1.
