Lions' Jack Campbell: 'Full Movement in My Lower Body,' Remains Optimistic

Jack Campbell is making progress. The Lions linebacker released a statement Wednesday, his first public update since being carted off on a backboard with a neck injury Sunday, saying he has full movement in his lower body and is regaining movement in his upper body, as ESPN's Adam Schefter shared.

"I have full movement in my lower body, and I'm continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body," Campbell said. "I know there's still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I'm taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better."

It's the most encouraging news since the scare in Detroit's 19-15 win over the Vikings. Campbell was face down and not moving after a tackle on T.J. Hockenson early in the fourth quarter. He was alert and breathing when he left for the hospital, and the entire Lions roster surrounded the cart as he was driven off. On Monday, the team said he was still hospitalized but that preliminary indications were positive.

The statement makes clear the recovery isn't finished, and there's no word on a football timeline. That's appropriately the last thing anyone is focused on right now.

On the field, the Lions have to replace one of the league's best linebackers. Campbell, a 2023 first-round pick, was an All-Pro last season, when he became the first player in seven years with 150-plus tackles, at least five sacks and three forced fumbles. He signed a four-year extension in May that runs through 2030. Detroit has already added depth, signing K.J. Britt off the Patriots' practice squad on Monday.