Dana Wakiji 9y

Lions' Kyle Van Noy makes presence felt in preseason finale

DETROIT -- A little over a week ago, things weren't looking good for Kyle Van Noy.

The Detroit Lions moved up to the second round of the 2014 NFL draft to take the BYU linebacker 40th overall.

But hernia surgery landed Van Noy on short-term injured reserve for the first half of the season and when he returned, he was way behind.

Van Noy finished the 2014 season with four solo tackles and two special teams tackles in eight games.

It was supposed to be a fresh start for Van Noy in 2015 when training camp began.

Then Van Noy was on the sidelines instead of in drills and coach Jim Caldwell said, "It's not one of those injuries that's going to take a couple weeks, it's going to be a little bit."

The Lions, Caldwell and Van Noy weren't saying what the injury was.

That was Tuesday, Aug. 25. Van Noy didn't say much.

By Monday, Aug. 31, Van Noy was back on the practice field.

Caldwell gave no indication at that point that Van Noy had improved to the point of playing.

On Thursday in the Lions' final preseason game, at home against the Buffalo Bills, there was Van Noy on the field.

He didn't start but he played enough to be noticed, recording two tackles and two pass defenses, one of which led to a Buffalo punt.

Van Noy is still adjusting to playing off the ball but if he can stay healthy and continue to improve in his role, he could make a difference for the Lions this season.

^ Back to Top ^