ALLEN PARK -- Even after undergoing surgery last week on a bulging disc in his neck, Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch has still had a huge impact on his teammates. He’s done for the season, but he’s not done with his work. His impact has been all-encompassing.

Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said he finally got defensive end Turk McBride to tell him how he had improved so much this season.

“He said, ‘The veteran leadership, Gun, that’s the difference.’

“I said, ‘Kyle?’

“He said, “Absolutely.’’

“I said, ‘You were at Kansas City with some veterans.

“He said, ‘Let’s not discuss it.’ He said, ‘Kyle Vanden Bosch showed me the way.’’’

Vanden Bosch was injured in the Thanksgiving game and had surgery last week and was placed on injured reserve.

“I’ve met some tough people in my lifetime, but never one like Kyle. For him to show up right after that surgery and be on the sideline (on Sunday), he’s in the meeting rooms. ... Just talking to him makes you feel better. What a great thing for the young guys to be around,’’ Cunningham said.

McBride will finish out the season in Vanden Bosch’s spot on the right end.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)