Avonte Maddox out for season. Here's where Lions go next at safety

Detroit Lions safety Avonte Maddox will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a foot injury during last week's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Lions' head coach, Dan Campbell, informed that surgery is necessary to address the injury, and the team is actively seeking potential replacements across the league. The Lions conducted several workouts on Monday, Sept. 21, with veterans Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills among those in attendance.

Campbell stated that Brad Holmes, the general manager, has been actively searching for a veteran player to bolster the Lions' defense. In addition, Holmes is exploring the option of signing some promising young players from other teams' practice squads to give them a chance to compete.

The Lions are currently without starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both of whom are expected to be sidelined for the season due to their prior injuries. Maddox, along with Chuck Clark, started the first two games at safety, while Christian Izien and Thomas Harper have served as backups. Clark has contributed one interception and recorded 14 tackles in the last two weeks, while Harper has been instrumental in two pass breakups and is tied for the team's lead with two interceptions.

Despite the setbacks, Campbell is optimistic about the defensive improvements and has hinted at additional changes to the team. The Lions aim to shuffle players around to provide opportunities for those who have earned the right to play, while also bringing in more talent to address the team's defensive struggles.