Long snapper Scott Daly was taken out of the Detroit Lions’ Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders due to a knee injury sustained on a field goal attempt. While speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, coach Dan Campbell updated his status and stated that the injury would necessitate surgery, implying that he will most likely be placed on injured reserve.
“He’s going to need surgery,” Campbell said. “It’s a difficult one to lose. I’m delighted you mentioned him because—nobody actually talks about Daly. And you don’t bring up the long snapper unless something horrible happens, and we hadn’t brought up Daly since Mule left. […] Daly expanded from there. He accepted the challenge and grew as a result. He’s been a rock for us, and he’s gotten better every year. He’s having the best year of his life. As a result, it hurts. It will be painful to lose him. He’s been quite helpful to us. We’ll figure it all out and get on with it.”
Daly, a three-year Lions veteran, won his second training camp battle this summer. He initially defeated Lions icon Don Muhlbach, who has since retired and joined Detroit’s coaching staff. Jake McQuaide, a former Pro Bowler, was dismissed during the preseason. McQuaide is still a free agent and could be called up for another opportunity.
With the Lions on bye in Week 9, there’s no need to sign a long snapper, but given the importance of camaraderie among core special teamers, they won’t want to waste too much time settling on a replacement.
