Detroit Lions Weblog

DE Hall, RB Calhoun Place on IR

It was announced this week that the Lions placed DE James Hall and RB Brian Calhoun on injured reserve.   Hall, a captain and veteran pass rusher, will be sorely missed.  Hall was the team leader in sacks and was the most reliable Lion on the defensive front.   The onus now falls upon the combination of the inconsistent Kalimba Edwards, workmanlike Jared DeVries, and recently signed veteran Corey Smith to pick up the slack.   Hall’s missing the remainder of the season also amplifies Shaun Rogers’ selfish and careless decision to take a banned substance(ephedra or a derivative) in an attempt to maintain his weight.

The loss of Calhoun will be less severe.  The Lions signed versatile, veteran Aveion Cason who has previously played with the both the Lions and the Rams under Mike Martz.  Cason will contribute on special teams and could be an occasional 3rd down situational back.  My greatest fear is that Kevin Jones will sustain a serious injury that creates a situation where the Lions have to rely upon RB’s Cason and Arlen Harris to carry the load in his stead.  Another aspect to the loss of Calhoun highlights that the Lions (Matt Millen) may have been better served utilizing their third round draft pick on a player who could have provided more immediate depth and assistance to their limited personnel.   Calhoun possesses a great deal of potential, but contributed little this season.