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Payton Turner's Injury Now Puts Major Spotlight on Rookie Derrick Moore
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- Payton Turner's Injury Now Puts Major Spotlight on Rookie Derrick Moore
The Detroit Lions were dealt crushing injury news on Thursday about one of their free-agent signings from the spring.
Detroit announced that edge rusher Payton Turner has been placed on injured reserve and will be out for the 2026 season. Turner has missed most of training camp with a back injury, and given that he was on a one-year deal, there's a good chance the former New Orleans Saints first-round pick never plays a snap with the Lions.
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Before camp, Turner was expected to be a solid rotational piece in Detroit's edge rusher room this season, but with him now being lost for the year, the pressure on rookie pass rusher Derrick Moore to produce has only gone up.
Moore Could be Thrust Into Key Lions Role Early
Detroit Lions defensive end Derrick Moore (9) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Moore has struggled with injuries so far in camp and is hurt once again. Head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Moore will be out for a little bit , but a return next week is on the table.
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When he's been on the field, Moore has shown promise, especially in the Lions' preseason win over the Washington Commanders last weekend. The Michigan product tallied a strip sack, multiple quarterback pressures, two defensive stops, and a 70.9 Pro Football Focus grade in his first NFL action.
When Moore returns from injury, Detroit will be relying on him to be a valuable member of the edge rusher group. It's looking like D.J. Wonnum will be the starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson to start the year, and Ahmed Hassanein should also have a role .
However, if Moore can develop into a consistent pass-rushing threat for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard 's unit, it would be a major boost and elevate the group to another level. Detroit can't afford to have a lackluster pass rush plague it in 2026, especially with the questions in the secondary.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
