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Lions assess 2022 injuries of Saivion Smith and Tracy Walker

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 1:18 PM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Lions assess 2022 injuries of Saivion Smith and Tracy Walker

Summary

The Detroit Lions reflect on key injuries from their 2022 season, Saivion Smith's temporary paralysis and Tracy Walker's Achilles rupture. Smith suffered paralysis during a game but recovered quickly, later requiring spinal fusion. He has not played in the NFL since his injury and is currently out of the league. Walker, a team captain, tore his Achilles in Week 3, missing the remainder of the season and had a significant impact on the defense. Although he played one more season, he has not been with a team since early 2024, suggesting his career may be over.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Saivion Smith suffered temporary paralysis during a game for the Lions.
•Smith recovered neurologically but required spinal fusion surgery.
•Tracy Walker ruptured his Achilles in Week 3 and missed the entire season.
•Walker was a team captain and had a noticeable impact on the Lions' defense.
•Both players are currently out of the league as of 2026.

Latest Updates

1:18 PMYahoo Sports — 2022 Throwback: Detroit Lions Top 10 Injury News - Smith & Walker

What they're saying

"
Saivion Smith's temporary paralysis and Tracy Walker's Achilles were the two biggest injury stories of the Detroit Lions 2022 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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