Rookie linebacker Kyle Van Noy underwent a surgical procedure to repair a core muscle injury on Thursday morning in Philadelphia. The Detroit Lions made the announcement prior to the preseason game at Buffalo.

The team released this statement: "Kyle Van Noy underwent a successful surgical procedure today due to a core muscle injury. We will continue to monitor Kyle's progress and provide updates when appropriate."

Van Noy was held out of the third preseason game after feeling a pain in his abdomen the day before. 

No word on how long he will miss. It’s likely that Tahir Whitehead will start at strongside linebacker. He’s starting his second straight preseason game after a solid effort with three sacks against the Jaguars last week.

The Lions face a 4 p.m. deadline on Saturday to get the roster to 53. They could make a decision by then whether Van Noy has a chance to return this season,  whether they’ll put him on short-term injured reserve or shut him down for the season.

Van Noy said last week until now he’s never missed a game due to injury.

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