Lions Place Rookie OLB Kyle Van Noy On Short-Term IR

Tim Twentyman reports that the Detroit Lions placed second-round pick OLB Kyle Van Noy on the short-term IR list, meaning he will be out for at least the first eight games.

• Twentyman adds that Van Noy will be eligible to practice after week six, but can only be activated after week eight.

Van Noy had core muscle surgery last week, and the recovery time is typically in the vicinity of four to six weeks.  The Lions have a bye in week nine, so it seems likely that Van Noy would return in week ten.

Detroit moved up in the draft to select Van Noy out of BYU at number 40 overall.  He is a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, and was considered likely to earn the starting strong-side linebacker position.

LB Tahir Whitehead has impressed during the preseason and could be Van Noy’s replacement.  LB Ashlee Palmer is also a candidate.

It should be noted that Van Noy’s designation opens up a spot on the 53-man roster, so Detroit could look to bring in extra competition to the linebacking corps.