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Zach Zenner To IR With Multiple Cracked Ribs, Partially Collapsed Lung

By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby

Zach Zenner has multiple cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung, per Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, and is in the hospital as of Monday.

Zenner left Sunday's game in the second quarter and could be seen on the sideline bent over with his hands on his knees right after leaving the field. He eventually made it to the training table and was examined by the team's medical staff before walking back to the locker room.

Caldwell said there was a surgical procedure involved with his recovery, but wasn't sure of details.

"He's an integral part of what we do from an offensive standpoint," Caldwell said. "Tough, rugged guy, but also very involved in our special teams and just a quality person as well."

An undrafted rookie out of South Dakota State, Zenner was a bit of a feel-good story throughout the NFL. He led the team in rushing during the preseason and earned himself a roster spot. And especially since Joique Bell has been limited (or out) due to injury, and Ameer Abdullah has been sporadically benched because of fumbling issues, Zenner has seen more and more playing time.

The coaching staff has consistently proclaimed their faith in Zenner, with Lombardi joking a few weeks ago that if the whole running back corps woke up with the flu, that the rookie could "do it all."

In the first four games of the season, Zenner had combined for four carries and 15 yards. But last week against Arizona, he carried 10 times for 30 yards, including a breakaway gain for 12.

And before he was knocked out against Chicago Sunday, he had gained 15 yards off three carries, as the Lions worked to replace Bell.

Zenner will move to the injured reserve, likely bringing up George Winn to the 53-man roster.

Caldwell said that he had spoken with Zenner on the phone Sunday, as the rookie was recovering in the hospital.

"He's not only hurting physically, but certainly hurting for the opportunity," Caldwell said. "But he's a young guy and he'll heal in due time."

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