Lions offer no clarity on Jamal Agnew's injury heading into bye

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions offered no clarity on cornerback Jamal Agnew’s status on Monday, one day after the All-Pro return man was carted off the field with a left knee injury.

“You know what, we’re going through and evaluating everything today,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. “So, we’ll get that report out when we get to it. There’s a process that the doctors are going through right now.”

Dr. David Chao, former team doctor for the Chargers, and renowned for offering injury assessments based on visual evidence, said there’s concern Agnew suffered a torn ACL.

Agnew, in his second season out of San Diego, has seen his role in Detroit’s defense increase this season. Through five games, he’s averaged more than 23 defensive snaps, while maintaining a significant role on special teams.

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Against the Packers on Sunday, he made a key play in the first quarter, grabbing Sam Martin's punt at the 1-yard line. Agnew thought he was downing the kick, but the ball had hit off Packers cornerback Kevin King's shoulder, giving the Lions possession and setting up the team’s first touchdown in the 31-23 victory.

Agnew earned All-Pro honors last season as a punt returner, averaging a league-best 15.4 yards per attempt and scoring two touchdowns.

If Agnew’s injury ends up being serious, Ameer Abdullah, TJ Jones, Golden Tate and Kerryon Johnson all are candidates to handle return duties.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers