Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is "improving" after sustaining a neck injury during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The linebacker was motionless on the field after tackling tight end T.J. Hockenson and was subsequently taken off on a stretcher.
"The good news is he is improving," Dan Campbell stated Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket's "Costa & Jansen" show. He acknowledged the difficulty for the team to focus on upcoming games with Campbell's well-being on their minds but stressed the need to "reload, lock in" and overcome adversity.
Campbell's update follows a statement from the team on Monday indicating "preliminary indications are positive" regarding the player's condition. The coach shared that keeping the team's captains informed of the positive news has helped rally the other players.
"Once you know that, then you’ve gotta move on for yourself, too, in that moment," Dan Campbell added. "Because if you let things wander and you drift and you worry a little and then you’re trying to play or prepare, that’s where bad things can happen to you, because you’re not all in on what you need to be doing."
Pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson echoed the sentiment on Tuesday, stating, "We’re all praying for Jack at this time. The news being positive today is great and we’re all keeping him in mind right now and these last couple of days."
The Lions are preparing to face the Dolphins this Sunday.