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Detroit Lions right tackle LaAdrian Waddle was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after suffering a left knee injury.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions haven't ruled right tackle LaAdrian Waddle out for the season yet, but there wasn't a lot of optimism in the locker room following the team's 16-14 victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

Waddle needed to be carted off the field late in the third quarter after suffering a left knee injury.

"I don't think I've ever heard LA scream before," guard Larry Warford said. "He's one of my best friends up here and it just sucks because he loves this game. He'll play through any injury and this time it got him."

Waddle has had a rough season. He's missed three games with a calf injury and another because of a concussion. He suffered a second concussion in practice this week.

Veteran guard Rob Sims empathizes with Waddle. Sims had multiple injury issues as a young player, missing most of the 2008 season with a torn pectoral muscle and two games the following year with a twisted ankle.

"He's a young kid, he's got talent and he's just been plagued by things, little stuff here and there," Sims said. "Being a younger guy that was plagued by some things, people put titles on you and all of that. I just hope he just keeps his head down and keeps working."

The Lions turned to undrafted rookie Cornelius Lucas for the remainder of the contest and he would be in line to start the rest of the way if Waddle's injury is season-ending.

The 6-foot-9 behemoth out of Kansas State has been pressed into action at one of the two tackle spots nine occasions this season. At this point, his teammates say they're comfortable and confident with the rookie in there.

"We're going to hurt for (Waddle), but we're totally confident in (Lucas)," center Dominic Raiola said. "We look at him like a starter. He goes out and transforms into the starter. I'm happy for him, for his opportunity."

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