GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It turns out Aidan Hutchinson isn’t the only defensive lineman the Detroit Lions lost in Sunday’s blowout win over Dallas.
The NFL Network reports backup nose tackle Kyle Peko tore a pectoral muscle during the game that will require surgery and likely cost him the rest of the season.
Peko went down midway through the first quarter while trying to tackle Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Video replay from the game shows Peko reach out to try and grab Elliott’s legs. After Elliott broke through, Peko reached up and grabbed for the left side of his chest.
His injury, however, was overshadowed when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down with a broken leg later in the game.
The Lions’ defensive line has seen a lot of attrition to start the season. In addition to Peko and Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport is likely done for the year after suffering a torn triceps. Defensive tackle Brodric Martin started the season on injured reserve after hyperextending his knee during the Lions’ final preseason game. The team has not given any timetable for a return. John Cominsky suffered a torn MCL in late July and may be able to return to the field in time for the playoffs.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to MLive about the rash of injuries, saying it’s too early to say what they will do to address the issue but knows the team will rally around each other to find a way to keep winning.
“Is there somebody out there who could potentially help us? What is it going to cost? So those things will always come up,” Campbell said. “But just because that’s there doesn’t mean we are going to do it. It’s got to be right. Everything has to be right. And honestly, where we’re at now, we’re not in a hurry. I believe in the guys that are here. I believe in that D-line.”
According to NBC Sports, Peko had played 86 defensive snaps and nine special teams snaps this season, recording two tackles and two quarterback hits.
Peko is in his eighth NFL season. He signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL draft. He has also spent time with Buffalo, Denver, Tennessee and Las Vegas before signing with the Lions this past offseason.
The Lions (4-1) face another big road test next week: a matchup against NFC North rival Minnesota (5-0). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.