In the opening moments of the Lions’ divisional-round playoff matchup against the Commanders, Detroit’s defense was hit with a devastating blow. Less than two minutes into the game, cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a serious injury that would force him to leave the field for good. The injury occurred with 13:10 remaining in the first quarter, just after the Commanders’ second offensive snap.
Robertson sustained the injury while making a tackle on Washington’s star receiver, Terry McLaurin, during a second-down pass play. In the process of wrapping up McLaurin, Robertson collided with linebacker Jack Campbell, resulting in the elbow injury. The veteran cornerback appeared visibly shaken as he limped off the field, clearly emotional about the situation. He was escorted to the sidelines and, shortly afterward, taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Following the game, Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the worst: Robertson had suffered a broken arm. He would undergo surgery the following day, with the expectation that his recovery would take between six and eight weeks. This injury marked another blow to a defense already riddled with setbacks.
As if that wasn’t enough, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu also left the game midway through the third quarter, succumbing to a hamstring injury. He did not return for the final stretch of the game, further depleting Detroit’s secondary.
With Robertson out, the Commanders’ passing attack found success against the Lions’ defense. McLaurin took advantage of the depleted secondary, finishing the game with four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, wide receiver Dyami Brown led Washington’s receiving corps with six catches for 98 yards, continuing to make plays as the Commanders’ offense found rhythm.
Despite the Lions’ valiant efforts, the injuries on defense were too much to overcome, and the Commanders secured a 31-21 victory. Washington will now move on to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the winner of the Rams-Eagles divisional-round game next Sunday at 3 p.m. EST.
