How Jack Campbell’s injury has pushed the Detroit Lions to sign former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe

The Detroit Lions have made another move at linebacker after Jack Campbell suffered an injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 1. Detroit has added former Arizona Cardinals draft pick Owen Pappoe to its practice squad as it looks to strengthen its depth ahead of Week 9.The signing follows the Lions' decision to bring in K.J. Britt from the New England Patriots' practice squad. With Campbell and rookie Jimmy Rolder out of the picture, Detroit now has several adjustments to make before its matchup against the Miami Dolphins.Jack Campbell injury update: Dan Campbell shares encouraging news as Detroit reshuffles its linebacker roomJack Campbell suffered a neck injury during Detroit's 19-15 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on November 1. The 26-year-old linebacker needed medical attention on the field before medical staff took him to a local hospital for further evaluation. Two days later, Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered an encouraging update. He said Jack was improving, although the linebacker remained in the hospital for continued recovery and monitoring.The injury also left Detroit with another problem. Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder suffered a hamstring injury on the same play and will miss the rest of the season. The Lions have started looking outside the organization for additional help, bringing K.J. Britt into the active roster and exploring another option in former Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe.The injury happened early in the fourth quarter against Minnesota. Jack Campbell went down while making a tackle and remained on the field as medical personnel attended to him. The Lions eventually took him to a local hospital.On November 2, Detroit released a statement confirming that Campbell was resting and recovering at the hospital. The team also said preliminary indications were positive but declined to share further medical details out of respect for the player and his family.Head coach Dan Campbell also visited his linebacker on Sunday night. Speaking during his media availability on Monday, November 2, he described the visit as positive."I got to go see him last night. It was good. It was positive," Dan Campbell said.He also praised Jack's importance to the team, particularly his leadership as a defensive captain.The coach described him as trustworthy, dependable and someone who would give his shirt off his back for a teammate. He also stressed that the entire locker room respects him.On Tuesday, November 3, Dan provided another encouraging update during an appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. He said Jack was improving, although he did not reveal further medical details. Lions add K.J. Britt as Owen Pappoe emerges as another optionDetroit also has to deal with the loss of Jimmy Rolder. Dan Campbell confirmed that the rookie's hamstring injury would end his season and that he could require surgery. The Lions placed Rolder on injured reserve on November 3.The team moved quickly to strengthen its linebacker group. Detroit signed K.J. Britt from the New England Patriots' practice squad to its active roster. Britt previously spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2025. He recorded 162 career tackles entering the move.Meanwhile, former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe also emerged as a potential addition. The 2023 fifth-round draft pick played college football at Auburn and appeared in 49 games over three seasons with Arizona. He has primarily contributed on special teams during his NFL career.The Lions now face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 8. Detroit will need its remaining linebackers to step up while Jack Campbell continues his recovery. The team has received encouraging news about its captain, but his return remains uncertain.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.