Jack Campbell injury update after Lions LB's serious neck injury -

Nov. 8, 2026Updated Nov. 9, 2026, 12:55 a.m. ET

The Detroit Lions took the field in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins without a key member of their defense – Jack Campbell.

It marked the Lions’ first contest since the linebacker suffered a terrifying neck injury during the team’s Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The injury left Campbell laying on the field motionless before being carted off the field on a backboard as emotional teammates looked on.

Campbell issued a statement about his condition on Wednesday, Nov. 4. He said that he has movement in his lower body and was making progress towards regaining movement in his upper body. It was an encouraging update that extended beyond the generic ones provided earlier in the week.

The Lions escaped Miami with a 19-9 win over the Dolphins, but it was clear that Jack Campbell was still top of mind.

“A lot of what we said was win No. 6 for 46,” Dan Campbell told reporters. “And we did that today. We got that done.”

On Nov. 7, the Lions announced they were placing the linebacker on injured reserve. It’s a reminder that Campbell has a long way to go in his recovery, but he remains determined to get back on the field, according to CBS Sports’ Melanie Collins.

“He is determined to get back on this football field, telling Dan Campbell: ‘Just make sure the house is taken care of until I can get back,'” Collins reported on the CBS broadcast of the game.

Here’s what to know about Campbell and the latest on his condition.

Dan Campbell, Aidan Hutchinson talk about Jack Campbell after win

Dan Campbell spoke his team’s effort against the Dolphins, telling reporters after the game that they wanted to win for Jack Campbell.

“A lot of what we said was win No. 6 for 46,” Dan Campbell said. “And we did that today. We got that done.”

The head coach noted multiple times how proud he was of the team, especially given the circumstances.

“Kinda felt like we owed it to him in a sense,” Dan Campbell said, referencing Jack Campbell. “It’s all we could do. He’ll take the prayers, but he doesn’t want the pity. He didn’t want wasting time thinking about it. Certainly doesn’t want us to not play our best ball and lose a game. So that’s what we could do. And we wanted to honor him.”

Is Jack Campbell still in the hospital?

Campbell remains hospitalized, but continues to improve, according to CBS Sports’ Melanie Collins. Collins said on the pregame broadcast that Campbell said that while he doesn’t want any tears or sympathy, he does want to get back on the field.

Campbell on Wednesday, Nov. 4, thanked his caregivers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and the Detroit Lions medical staff.

Lions wear Jack Campbell’s jersey to Week 9 game

Several Lions players honored Campbell ahead of the team’s Week 9 contest by wearing his jersey to Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Miami Dolphins.

Linebackers Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and K.J. Britt were among the players wearing Campbell’s jersey. Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions defensive coordinator, also sported the No. 46 jersey.

Check out the photos:

What is Jack Campbell’s condition?

Campbell announced in a statement on Nov. 4 that he has full movement in his lower body. He is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.

It was the first concrete update on Campbell’s condition since the injury occurred on Sunday, Nov. 1. Prior to Campbell’s statement, the team had issued more general updates, saying that preliminary results were positive.

Is Jack Campbell paralyzed?

Campbell appears to have avoided the worst fears that immediately followed his injury, as his updates indicate that he has avoided full paralysis from the neck down. Campbell said he has “full movement in my lower body” and was working to regain upper-body movement as part of his recovery.

Latest Jack Campbell injury update

Jack Campbell has been placed on injured reserve, the Lions announced on Nov. 7.

The linebacker announced in a statement on Nov. 4 that he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.

Dan Campbell previously provided small update on Jack Campbell’s status during a Tuesday, Nov. 3, radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket.

“It’s not easy because he’s always going to be on our minds over here,” Dan Campbell said of Jack Campbell, when addressing the Lions’ preparation for Week 9. “The good news is he is improving.”

The Lions coach made it clear he is providing his players with updates about Jack Campbell’s status through the team’s captains.

“I think the thought of him – knowing he’s doing better, and I’ve kept the captains up to date, and they’ve let the other guys know its good news,” Dan Campbell said, referencing how players were reacting to the situation. “I think that helps everybody just get a better handle on all this.”

Campbell also added that he is trying to keep his players focused on their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, expressing concern that “bad things can happen” if players aren’t able to be all-in on their gameday responsibilities.

What happened to Jack Campbell?

Campbell went down with a neck injury after tackling Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.

He stayed down as the training staff and medical personnel surrounded him and a cart arrived. Campbell was loaded onto a backboard before the cart took him off the field. He was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for a neck injury after exiting the team’s Week 8 win over the Vikings.

The Lions announced late Sunday night that Campbell was resting and was scheduled to remain in a local hospital overnight for continued evaluation and monitoring.

Does Jack Campbell have central cord syndrome?

Campbell’s medical diagnosis has not yet been made public. Medical experts reached by USA TODAY did point out the uniqueness of Campbell’s post-injury symptoms, saying that delayed recovery of upper-body movement could be associated with central cord syndrome. It’s a rare medical condition common in people with spinal injuries who have fallen forward and land on their forehead and extend backward, similar to the action exhibited by Campbell’s head and neck at impact.

“I think it’s great news (if it’s central cord syndrome) because it’s an incomplete spinal-cord injury,” neurosurgeon Dr. Betsy Grunch said, “and if he’s already recovering as quickly as reported, then it’s quite possible he can make a full recovery.”

Jack Campbell statement

Jack Campbell issued a statement, via the Lions’ X account on Nov. 4. Here it is, in its entirety:

My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days. It means more to us than words can express.

I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body. I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.

My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan. I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.

I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field. I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.

To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. This team is a family to me, and the way everyone has been there for me means everything. I’m proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.

One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit. That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge.

Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.

God is good. My faith is strong.

Jack Campbell

Who is Jack Campbell?

Campbell is a linebacker for the Detroit Lions.

The 26-year-old is in his fourth NFL season, all with Detroit. The Lions drafted Campbell with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he starred in college for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Campbell broke out during his junior season with the Hawkeyes, totaling 143 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack in 2021. Returning for his senior season, Campbell was named an All-American in 2022 and received the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football.

He also received the William V. Campbell Trophy, also known as the “academic Heisman,” in 2022 for being recognized as the college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership and on-field performance.

Campbell slid right in as a key piece of the Lions’ defense after arriving in the NFL. However, he didn’t officially break out until his third season. Campbell recorded 176 total tackles, three forced fumbles and five sacks en route to being named a first-team All-Pro and earning his first Pro Bowl appearance last season.