Bill Bentley Injury: Updates on Lions CB's Recovery from ACL Surgery

The Detroit Lions suffered a big blow to their secondary when it was revealed Tuesday that cornerback Bill Bentley suffered a torn ACL.    

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported the ominous news:

Bentley went down with the non-contact injury during Detroit's Week 1 home win over the New York Giants on Monday night. That could prove costly for a defensive backfield that already has rather thin depth, and starts 34-year-old veteran Rashean Mathis at one cornerback spot.

Having a viable nickelback has become even more important in the modern NFL, and that's the role Bentley has grown into. The 2012 third-round pick is among the investments Detroit has made to address its secondary.

When Bentley left Monday's 35-14 victory at Ford Field, The Detroit News' Rod Beard suggested the Lions get on the horn and bring in help:

But fourth-round rookie Nevin Lawson stepped in for Bentley and did an admirable job continuing to lock up Giants star Victor Cruz, who was limited to two receptions for 24 yards on six targets. Lions safety Glover Quin was impressed with how Lawson rose to the occasion.

"I think he came in and played a great game," said Quin, via MLive.com's Justin Rogers. "That's what we expect of him. He's on the roster for a reason. It's not like he's just here to play special teams or have a redshirt year, he's here to play. We have confidence in him and he came in and did a great job."

According to the Lions' official depth chart, there are only five corners on the roster counting Bentley. Even with Lawson's strong debut taken into account, the need to acquire additional personnel at Bentley's position remains a priority in Motown.

The Giants' offense was dysfunctional in adjusting to a new system, so it's difficult to say whether Monday's strong defensive effort from Detroit is a sign of what's to come.

In any event, Bentley is more experienced than Lawson, and his loss will likely hamper the team to some extent. While Detroit's offense looked strong in Week 1, it will have to take on the Carolina Panthers' vaunted defense this coming Sunday on the road.