Allen Park – Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell has no intention of removing linebacker Tahir Whitehead from the lineup, despite the defense delivering its best performance of the season with the starting middle linebacker sidelined by a knee injury.
Whitehead is Detroit’s leading tackler this season, including seven double-digit performances, but just one of his 101 tackles has been for a loss. He’s also had struggles in coverage, giving up 52 receptions on the 66 pass plays he has been the targeted defender, yielding 544 yards and five touchdowns.
Last week, prior to Whitehead’s injury, Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin both praised the linebacker’s improvement this season, particularly his leadership role, relaying in the play call and getting the defense in position.