This was one matchup that the NFL fans deserved all season long. The Lions and the Commanders have put on a show that made it hard for people to blink. But one major moment slowed the pace amid all the clutch plays. The playoffs transform careers. Don’t they? But it can also be heartbreakingly cruel. Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round for Amik Robertson didn’t have the glory one would have hoped for. Lions fans held their breath, wondering what may transpire with one of their breakout players.

Early spoiler: It doesn’t look good. Robertson exited the game in the first quarter after an awkward tackle involving teammate Jack Campbell. The collision occurred while Robertson was bringing down Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin on a second-and-4 play. Meanwhile, Campbell tried to finish the tackle. But he accidentally struck Robertson’s arm with his shoulder. The cornerback immediately clutched his arm and left the field with trainers stabilizing the injury. The Lions later confirmed it was an elbow issue. And it ruled him out of the game.

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Detroit. Robertson was filling in for Carlton Davis III. Carlton was on the sidelines since week 15. And Robertson was filling in the shoes slowly but steadily. Robertson’s stellar performance in Week 18 was fresh in fans’ minds. He had locked down Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson in that game. Hence, losing him early against a red-hot Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense was a huge blow.

Robertson was reportedly transported to a Detroit-area hospital for further evaluation after leaving the ground. The Lions have yet to release a detailed diagnosis. But the immediate prognosis doesn’t inspire much optimism. The team turned to Kindle Vildor to step into the role. However, their secondary looked increasingly vulnerable.

Detroit’s defense was already stretched thin with 11 players on injured reserve. They had little margin for error. Amik Robertson’s absence left the Lions scrambling against a dynamic Commanders offense. And things only got worse as the game progressed.

Jayden Daniels puts on a show as Commanders shine

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his fairy-tale season. He shredded Detroit’s defense in the first half. By halftime, the Commanders led 31-21. All thanks to Daniels’ combination of big throws and jaw-dropping runs. The second quarter alone saw Daniels connect with McLaurin for a 58-yard touchdown and engineer a 28-point explosion for Washington.

Daniels’s brilliance didn’t stop with his arm. His ability to evade pressure and extend plays kept the Lions’ defense guessing. This performance reminded fans why Daniels took the Commanders from the league’s basement to playoff contention. His poise under pressure drew comparisons to his Heisman-winning days at LSU. Led by Jared Goff, Detroit’s offense tried to keep pace. But turnovers became their undoing.

Goff threw two costly interceptions. And Commanders defender Quan Martin turned into a 40-yard pick-six one of them. The Lions struggled to regain momentum despite a brief spark from backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater had replaced Goff after a concussion scare. Things just went out of Detroit’s hands as the clock ticked.

Meanwhile, Daniels’s heroics fueled the Commanders. And they looked like a team of destiny. For Detroit, the game highlighted the importance of Robertson’s role on the defense. Without him, the Lions faced a steep uphill battle.

As the playoff dust settles, fans and analysts alike will wait for updates on Amik Robertson’s injury. His absence leaves a significant hole in their defense.