The Detroit Lions are flying high at 3-1, but head coach Dan Campbell just took a big hit ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Four key players have officially been ruled out, leaving the Lions thin in some critical spots. Let’s break down the injury list one by one.

First up is defensive tackle Alim McNeill. Campbell had hinted earlier this week that there was a chance McNeill could play, but the Lions are playing it safe. He’s still on the PUP list while recovering from an ACL injury and has a little over two weeks left in his evaluation period. The good news is the coaches believe he’s close, and a return against the Chiefs next week looks realistic. For now, though, Detroit’s defensive line will have to battle without him.

Running back Sione Vaki is also sidelined with a groin issue. He hasn’t practiced in six straight sessions, which made this decision no surprise. His absence stings, especially on special teams, where he provides valuable depth and energy. The team hopes he can get back within the next two weeks.

Linebacker Zach Cunningham will miss his second straight game because of a hamstring injury. Cunningham hasn’t practiced all week, and the Lions already moved to sign Ty Summers as extra insurance at the position. It’s another blow to the defense, which will be without a steady veteran presence in the middle.

Lastly, cornerback Khalil Dorsey is out with a concussion and a wrist injury. He was a full participant in practice on Thursday, October 2nd, but a wrist injury seemed to have kept him out of participation on Friday. That setback means the Lions will roll into Sunday with Terrion Arnold, Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and Avonte Maddox as the healthy corners.

And as Campbell deals with key injuries, it’s not like the Bengals will be entering Sunday’s game without bruises.

Dan Campbell’s counterpart will be without his 1st round rookie

Zac Taylor‘s defense has taken a hit as rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the Lions. The first-round pick hurt his right ankle in Week 2 on Travis Etienne’s 5-yard run during the fourth quarter of Cincinnati’s loss to the Jaguars. The injury forced him off the field, and he hasn’t suited up since. Stewart now misses his third straight game, but Taylor has chosen not to place him on injured reserve.

That decision shows their confidence that his recovery timeline is short and that the sprain isn’t considered serious. Myles Murphy has seen extra snaps as an edge rusher in his absence.

The situation becomes a lot more difficult for Dan Campbell’s counterpart as Joe Burrow is also out with a toe injury. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith targeted the coach for putting his QB in such a position. “You’re constantly making your quarterback a target, which means that Zac Taylor would be the reason why Joe Burrow is on the verge of missing three seasons out of his first six years in the National Football League because of the assault that you have exposed him to,” Smith said. But he then reminded the fans about something serious, “Now we’ve got to take this into account. Do you know, since the Bengals started 2-0, they’ve been outscored 76 to 13.”

They haven’t lost a game against the Lions since 1992. But with the current struggling form, it might be the big moment for the Lions.