Detroit Lions out to 'honor Jack' Campbell with play against Dolphins

The news that injured linebacker Jack Campbell has "full movement" in his lower body was met with relief Wednesday, Nov. 4, but after three emotional days, the Detroit Lions now have the difficult task of getting ready to play a game this week against the Miami Dolphins . “There’s no easy way to do this, but also, you have to − we have to acknowledge it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Let’s talk about it and make sure we know [what’s going on with Jack], but I also know they’re not postponing this game and I know the only way to honor Jack – we know the only way to really honor Jack and what he really wants is to make sure that we’re locked in and ready to go, because otherwise what just kind of came about, we’re throwing it away, in a sense.” The Lions (5-2) won their third straight game last week against the Minnesota Vikings , a game in which Jack Campbell injured his neck making a tackle on the first play of the fourth quarter. Campbell fell face-first to the ground after making a tackle on Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson and lay motionless on the turf as doctors loaded him onto a backboard and took him to a waiting ambulance by medical cart. The game was delayed for about 10 minutes, and Ford Field sat silent while players from both teams surrounded the scene on a knee in prayer. Campbell remains in the hospital but said in his statement released by the team Wednesday, "I'm incredibly encouraged by the progress I've made in such a short period of time." “I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body,” the statement read. “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. “My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan. I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.” Dan Campbell said the news of Jack Campbell’s progress lifted some of the cloud that has hung over the organization since Sunday. The Lions rallied to beat the Vikings after Campbell’s injury and are alone in third place in the NFC North, but the mood around the team has remained somber. “Especially being able to hear it from him, that means a lot,” Dan Campbell said. “That’s powerful in itself. More than hearing it from me or anybody else, those are his and his family’s words, so that’s powerful, and I know that always helps to know that he’s improving. Because at this point, that’s all you’re looking for is just to know that he is improving and this thing, this status is changing every eight hours, 10 hours in a good way. It always is going to help.” Campbell said the Lions have made counseling resources available to players, and both he and Jack Campbell touted the work Lions trainers and medical professionals have done in handling the situation. In his statement, Jack Campbell thanked “everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support” he’s received and the Lions’ trainers and medical personnel “who responded and cared for me on the field.” “I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me,” the statement read. “The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. “I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.” Lions assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery said coaches and players will have to juggle the human side of football this week with the reality of getting ready to face a scrappy Dolphins team that is one of the worst in the league but beat the New York Jets for its first win two weeks ago. The Lions did not practice Wednesday but had their regular team meetings and a 65-minute walk-through. "I think we owe it to him, we owe it to all of ourselves to make sure we’re locked in and we make the most of this," Dan Campbell said. "It’s balancing it. You’re human. You acknowledge it. That’s a lot, but if that’s weighing that heavy and that’s where your mind’s at, it’s not going to be good going into this game and that’s where you get hurt, as well." Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.