NFL

Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox ruled out against Bills with foot injury

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 18, 2026, 08:39 IST

Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Bills after sustaining a foot injury during the second quarter.

Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox ruled out against Bills with foot injury

The Detroit Lions suffered a significant personnel setback during Thursday night's contest against the Buffalo Bills, as defensive back Avonte Maddox was officially ruled out for the remainder of the game. The injury occurred in the second quarter, forcing the defensive back to exit the field and head to the locker room for further evaluation.

The incident took place in the end zone following a collision with teammate Chuck Clark. Maddox was initially seen limping off the playing surface alongside team medical staff before being transported to the locker room on a cart. Shortly after his departure, the team confirmed that he would not return to the game.

Secondary depth concerns for Detroit

Maddox's absence presents a mounting challenge for the Lions' defensive secondary, which is already navigating a period of limited depth. The unit is currently operating without star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both of whom are sidelined on the reserve/PUP list. Under current roster regulations, those players are required to miss at least the first four games of the season.

The impact of the depleted secondary was evident throughout the first half of the matchup in Orchard Park. Following the injury to Maddox, the Lions struggled to contain the Buffalo offense, heading into the halftime break facing a 27-10 deficit. The team will now look to adjust its defensive rotation as the game progresses in the absence of another key contributor.