Lions CB Terrion Arnold's Shoulder Injury Less Severe, Expected Return This Month

A second opinion on Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold's injured shoulder found it is not as bad as initially feared and he could return sooner than expected—possibly this month or in October—instead of being season-ending or requiring surgery, according to ESPN and other outlets. That update reverses coach Dan Campbell's earlier warning that Arnold would be out “a long time” after he was carted off vs. the Bengals and previously exited the game against the Browns. Arnold, a 2024 first-round pick, has started five games this season (22 combined tackles, four passes defended), and his quicker recovery is a major boost for a secondary already thin with D.J. Reed on injured reserve and Khalil Dorsey dealing with concussion and wrist issues. The timely development comes as the 4-1 Lions face a difficult stretch of primetime games, though Detroit will lean on depth pieces while Arnold completes his rehab.