Detroit Lions safety Avonte Maddox will miss the rest of the 2026 season following season‑ending foot surgery, compounding a secondary already depleted by injuries to Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
Detroit Lions safety Avonte Maddox suffered a foot injury Thursday night in the team’s 41‑31 loss to the Buffalo Bills and will undergo season‑ending surgery, coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Monday (AP). The 30‑year‑old veteran, who has started a game in each of his nine NFL seasons and is in his second year with Detroit after seven seasons in Philadelphia, is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign (USA Today).
The loss adds to a secondary already shorthanded by the indefinite absences of Pro Bowl‑caliber safeties Kerby Joseph, who is dealing with a knee issue, and Brian Branch, who is out with an Achilles injury (AP). Detroit entered the game with a 1‑1 record and now prepares to host the New York Jets, also 1‑1, on Sunday.
Campbell expressed frustration but emphasized the need to move forward, noting that the team will explore veteran options and practice‑squad talent to fill the safety void (USA Today). General manager Brad Holmes reportedly worked out veterans Jordan Fuller, Jalen Mills and Mike Edwards on Monday, while the coaching staff is considering internal adjustments. Nickel cornerback Christian Izien, who has experience at safety, saw six snaps in that role after Maddox went down, and players such as Chuck Clark and Thomas Harper are expected to see expanded responsibilities (USA Today).
“That hurts,” Campbell said, acknowledging Maddox’s impact on the defense. The Lions have given up 915 yards and 71 points in the first two weeks, highlighting the urgency of shoring up a unit that has struggled early in the season (USA Today). The team’s next step will be to assess the veteran tryouts and determine whether a practice‑squad poach can provide immediate depth.