DETROIT –- Whenever a Detroit Lions player goes down with an injury, “next man up” is the three-word phrase commonly heard from both players and coaches.
Right now, Amik Robertson is not only the next man up, but it is safe to say he is more than likely CB1 for the time being.
During the Lions’ 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, both Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed exited early with injuries.
Arnold left in the third quarter with an apparent arm injury, and with 13:56 left in regulation, Reed suffered a hamstring injury after breaking up a pass intended for Jerry Jeudy. The veteran defender immediately grabbed his leg in pain and was carted off the field.
While Lions coach Dan Campbell does not yet know the full status of either player’s health, he said he does not expect either to suit up for next week’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Reed could be sidelined for an extended period.
That leaves Robertson, whose snap count was already set to increase, in line to start in Week 5.
“Hey, man, next man up. You know, the way this team is built,” Robertson told reporters after the win. “A lot of guys can come up and play. So that was all honesty, that was our mindset. Next man mentality is more the reason why we won the game.”
Robertson’s numbers on Sunday were not flashy, but his coverage was steady. He finished with two pass breakups and nearly came away with the Lions’ third interception of the day.
“It’s crazy, man. I’m thinking about the near pick,” Robertson said. “I’m so used to coming in and out. I was out there, I’m trying to get a turnover. I’m talking about the ball missing. It’s like, it’s a lot of things that I wish I could have back, you know, but it’s just cool, man.
“I’m very confident in myself, man. I know when this (expletive) get to rolling, I’m a bad individual. So like I said, just build off of this game, watch the tape, come out there next game with even more energy and more swagger and more aggression.”
Robertson primarily plays nickelback, so he rotates in and out of the lineup and does not often get to showcase his full repertoire outside. He did so last season in the finale against the Minnesota Vikings and star receiver Justin Jefferson.
And because of that showing, the Lions have faith in his abilities.
“You know, at corner I can feel routes. You know, I do a lot of reading,” Robertson said. “I was reading the quarterback. You know, when I play, I think my instincts kick in a little bit more when I’m on the field a lot. I get comfortable, man.
“Like, I get very comfortable when I’m on the outside. So like I said, man, expect my play to increase every week.”