Tracy Walker, a Lions captain, ejected after committing 2 personal fouls on same play

DETROIT -- With the ink barely dry on a big three-year contract extension, Lions safety Tracy Walker has been ejected from the season opener for committing two personal fouls on the same play.

Walker lowered his helmet in a collision with quarterback Jalen Hurts, which drew one flag for unnecessary roughness, then threw a punch at an Eagles player after getting to his feet, which drew another flag for unnecessary roughness. He was immediately tossed, leaving Detroit without its best safety while trying to come back from a 38-21 deficit late in the third quarter.

JuJu Hughes, who made the roster because of his contributions on special teams, replaced Walker in the lineup. Rookie Kerby Joseph is the only other safety dressed for the game.

This certainly isn’t the way the Lions envisioned Walker opening a new three-year, $25 million contract. They said they were giving him that deal -- despite avoiding long-term expenditures elsewhere on the roster -- because they believed Walker was ready to become the leader of the defense.

Hard to lead from the locker room, though.

Walker finishes the day with 11 tackles, one sack and one pass defended.