Lions Injury Update: Glasgow and Joseph Absent, Robertson on Track to Play
As the Detroit Lions gear up for a critical late-season matchup, a few key names were missing-and a few others showed signs of progress-during Thursday’s practice.
Graham Glasgow a Surprise Absence
Starting center Graham Glasgow was notably absent during the open portion of practice, despite not being listed on the team’s estimated injury report from Wednesday’s walkthrough. That’s a development worth watching. Glasgow has been a steady presence on the interior of Detroit’s offensive line, and his absence-even if precautionary-raises questions about his availability heading into Sunday.
The Lions’ offensive line has been one of the team’s most consistent units this season, and Glasgow’s reliability in both pass protection and run blocking has been a big part of that. If he’s dealing with something under the radar, it could shake things up for Jared Goff and the offense in a pivotal game.
Kerby Joseph Still Sidelined
Safety Kerby Joseph also wasn’t spotted at practice, which, unfortunately, isn’t much of a surprise at this point. Joseph has now missed eight straight games with a bone bruise in his left knee.
He returned to practice briefly on December 10 but suffered a setback shortly after. Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned last week that the team is considering placing the All-Pro safety on injured reserve.
And with only a few games left on the schedule, even short-term injuries can effectively become season-ending. For now, Joseph remains on the active roster, but his status continues to trend in the wrong direction.
Robertson Practicing Through Injury
There was some concern about the Lions’ already-thin secondary taking another hit when cornerback Amik Robertson left Sunday’s 41-34 loss to the Rams late in the fourth quarter. He injured his left hand while trying to strip the ball from tight end Colby Parkinson on what turned out to be the game-sealing touchdown.
But Robertson was back on the field Thursday, practicing with a black club on that injured hand. He told reporters Wednesday that he expects to play this weekend against the Steelers, and Thursday’s participation backs that up.
“That’s how it is looking, if everything goes right,” Robertson said. “It went right (Wednesday) … I’m going to try to have some contact, and I should be fine.”
That’s good news for a secondary that can’t afford to lose another starter, especially with Joseph’s status still in limbo.
Other Notables from Practice
Tight end Brock Wright (trachea) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring), both currently on injured reserve, were seen working off to the side during practice. While that doesn’t mean a return is imminent, it’s a sign they’re progressing in their rehab.
Meanwhile, left tackle Taylor Decker-who didn’t practice at all last week but still played every offensive snap against the Rams-was back participating in drills Thursday. Decker has been gutting it out all season with pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder, and his ability to stay on the field has been a testament to both his toughness and importance to the offensive line.
Looking Ahead
With the playoff race heating up, the Lions are walking a tightrope when it comes to player health. The offense has held strong thanks to continuity up front, but if Glasgow’s absence turns into something more serious, that could throw a wrench into the game plan.
On defense, Robertson’s return would be a much-needed boost, especially if Joseph ends up sidelined for the rest of the season. The Lions have shown resilience all year, but as the margin for error shrinks, every injury-and every return-carries a little more weight.