Lions LB Levy: Going on injured reserve was 'best thing long term'

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy tried to play this season, but a hip injury limited him to just a brief appearance in a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He did not record a tackle in that game and was placed on season-ending injured reserve shortly thereafter.

Although Levy nearly returned to action this year, he said rushing back to action would not have been a good idea.

Via ESPN's Michael Rothstein:

Levy, 28, is an impact playmaker at weak-side linebacker. A season ago, he led the team with 151 total tackles. He signed a four-year, $33.7 million contract extension in August, making him one of the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL.

The Lions missed Levy dearly on defense this season, highlighting the need for him to make a full recovery for next year.