Lions DE Kerry Hyder carted off vs. Colts with lower leg injury

The Detroit Lions couldn’t even get out of the first quarter without an injury to a key player. Kerry Hyder went down on the second defensive possession of the game, immediately clutching his lower left leg. He was carted off after being unable to put any pressure on that left foot.

The Lions are already in a tough position at defensive end, as Ezekiel Ansah remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and free agent addition Cornelius Washington has been in and out of camp while he deals with his own injury.

Detroit went into the season with big concerns on defense. The Lions let last year’s starter Devin Taylor go to free agency and did not add much help outside of Washington in the offseason.

However, the Lions have had some promising play from a few undrafted rookies. In fact, rookie Alex Barrett picked up a sack on the very next play after Hyder’s injury.

We’ll update this story as soon as we get more information on Hyder’s injury.

UPDATE 1: Based on video of the play, former NFL doctor David J. Chao fears the worst for Hyder:

UPDATE 2: Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said Hyder suffered a “significant Achilles” injury. It appears to be long-term.