23 Darius Slay DB

Slay suffered a concussion and is ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Lions will remain without their top defensive player for the remainder of Sunday's contest. Dee Virgin will serve as Detriot's starting left cornerback as long as Slay remains sidelined. The 27-year-old will work to clear the league's concussion protocol in time to suit up against the Patriots in Week 3.

Slay recorded 60 tackles, eight interceptions, 26 PBUs and one fumble recovery across 16 games in 2017.

Slay has been a stud on the perimeter of the Lions defense for a couple years now, but he was absolutely brilliant in 2017 and ultimately named a first-team All-Pro cornerback. Not only was his interception total tied for tops in the league, but his 26 PBUs was four more than the next closest player and his 55.6 passer-rating allowed checks in at sixth among qualified defensive backs. He accomplished all this while regularly traveling with his opponents No. 1 receiver -- a list that includes the prolific likes of Odell Beckham, Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Antonio Brown, among others. Under contract with Detroit for three more seasons, Slay will certainly be worthy of IDP consideration in advance of the 2018 campaign.

Slay recorded five tackles, all solo, three pass defensed and two interceptions in Saturday's win over the Bears.

Slay left the game early to get tested for a concussion but returned to the field shortly after and still managed to log 66 defensive snaps (96 percent). Slay now has a league-leading seven interceptions, which was enough to get the cornerback elected to his first Pro Bowl on Tuesday night. He'll now be tasked with shutting down A.J. Green in Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Slay has avoided a concussion and re-entered Saturday's game against the Bears, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Slay exited earlier in the contest to be evaluated for a concussion but is apparently clear of symptoms. The Lions' top cornerback is available for the rest of Saturday's game in Detroit.

Slay left Saturday's game against the Bears to be evaluated for a concussion, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Slay lasted just three plays before he had an evaluation in the sideline tent and went to the locker room. With the nature of his concern known, the Lions will follow the protocol for head injuries before making a decision on whether a return is possible. In the meantime, D.J. Hayden will line up at cornerback with the first unit.