ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Ryan Broyles is down again, and Titus Young is out again.
Earlier in the season, the Detroit Lions’ secondary was besieged by misfortune. Now it’s the receiving corps that’s taking all the hits.
Broyles, a second-round pick this year out of Oklahoma, will undergo reconstructive surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and miss the remainder of the season, coach Jim Schwartz announced Monday.
Broyles was injured in the first quarter of Sunday’s 35-33 heartbreaker against Indianapolis, the Lions’ fourth straight loss.
Young, meanwhile, has been told by Schwartz for the second time in two weeks to stay away from the team for disciplinary reasons.
Young, a second-round pick in 2011 out of Boise State, has been inactive the last two games because of his bad attitude.
All of this comes after Nate Burleson, the team’s No. 2 receiver, suffered a season-ending broken leg six weeks ago.
For Broyles, it’s the second ACL injury in as many seasons. Just over a year ago, he needed the same type of surgery on his left knee.
At least two Lions -- tight end Brandon Pettigrew and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch -- have come back from torn ACL’s in both knees during their football careers.
“Ryan’s a real hard-working player,” Schwartz said. “He did a great job with his rehab last time. It will be a bump in the road for him but it won’t be something that he can’t overcome.”
Broyles wasn’t available for comment but he tweeted Monday afternoon that he will be “back at it next year!”
Young’s future with the Lions doesn’t look nearly as good.
He returned to practice last week, held an awkward interview with the media Friday in which he showed no remorse for his actions and now appears to be in danger of getting cut at any moment.
“He’s not with the team right now,” Schwartz said. “If I have any further updates, I’ll let you guys know.“
As for whether Young is finished as a Lion, Schwartz said, “I can’t predict what the future’s going to hold.”
The coaches, players and entire organization clearly are fed up with Young’s antics.
“I certainly believe in second chances,” Schwartz said. “There’s no greater story in the NFL or in professional sports than redemption and people that overcome situations. I think we all hold out hope that guys can do that.
“But you need to make the most of the opportunities you have. When you do get a second chance and you’re welcomed back, you have to do everything to take advantage of that opportunity. I think in this case, that didn’t happen.”
Asked if Young will continue to be paid during his absence, Schwartz said, "I’ll have a comment on that when we get to that situation."
Mike Thomas, who was acquired from Jacksonville in a trade following Burleson’s injury, has quickly moved up the depth chart to No. 2 behind Calvin Johnson.
The other receivers on the roster include Brian Robiskie and Kassim Osgood. Robiskie, signed as a free agent in late October, has been inactive the last four games. Osgood is one of the team’s top special-teams players, but he's been rarely used on offense.
“We’re going to need to make some roster additions, for sure,” Schwartz said. “We’ll explore all those over the next couple of days.”
EXTRA POINTS
Schwartz disagreed with Colts offensive guard Mike McGlynn’s accusation that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and other Lions celebrated when offensive tackle Winston Justice was down on the field with an injury.
Justice apparently suffered a concussion when he got blocked by Suh during an interception return in the fourth quarter.
“We’re excited about it,” Schwartz said, referring to the interception. “I don’t think anybody’s reveling in anybody being injured or anything like that.”
… Defensive tackle Nick Fairley wasn’t in the game during the final drive because of a thigh injury. Schwartz said that Fairley likely will be limited in practice this week.
... The Lions are headed toward a top-10 NFL Draft pick, possibly top-5 if they lose their final four games and finish 4-12.
… They’re now 14-14 since the start of last season, 9-14 since the 5-0 start a year ago.
… Detroit’s eight losses this season have come by an average of 5.4 points.
… Suh has 20 quarterback disruptions in the last two games (one sack, seven hits and 12 hurries), according to Pro Football Focus.
