Lions Lose Kerby Joseph for the Season, Shuffle Offensive Line Ahead of Crucial Stretch
The Detroit Lions just took a major hit to their secondary-and it’s one that could have ripple effects heading into the postseason.
Kerby Joseph, the NFL’s interception leader this season, has officially been placed on injured reserve, ending what had been a standout campaign for the third-year safety. Joseph hasn’t seen the field since Week 4, and now, nearly 10 weeks later, the Lions have made the move that all but confirms he won’t be back this year.
Joseph’s knee has been a lingering issue since training camp. He first injured it over the summer, then aggravated it with a bone bruise in a Week 4 win over the Browns.
Since then, he’s been dealing with a cartilage problem that’s made it simply too painful to play through. While he’d technically be eligible to return for the divisional round of the playoffs, that scenario seems unlikely.
Instead, Joseph is expected to explore non-surgical options in the offseason, including stem-cell therapy, in hopes of avoiding a more invasive procedure.
For Detroit, this isn’t just a loss on paper. Joseph has been a playmaker on the back end all year long-his ball-hawking instincts and ability to flip the field have been crucial to the Lions’ defensive identity. Without him, Detroit’s secondary loses a dynamic threat, and the defense will need others to step up as they push toward the postseason.
To fill Joseph’s spot on the 53-man roster, the Lions activated rookie guard Christian Mahogany from injured reserve. Mahogany has been out since early November after breaking a bone in his left leg during a loss to the Vikings. But after six weeks of recovery, he’s back in the mix-and just in time.
The Lions' offensive line has been a revolving door all season, with seven different combinations taking the field. Mahogany’s return provides some much-needed reinforcement, especially with the unit still battling injuries.
Starting center Graham Glasgow is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Steelers due to a knee injury. In response, Detroit elevated center Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad. Eguakun, a rookie with just three offensive snaps under his belt, took first-team reps in practice this week and could be in line for his first NFL start if Glasgow can’t go.
Meanwhile, left tackle Taylor Decker continues to gut it out through a shoulder injury that’s lingered all season. And Trystan Colon-who has filled in at left guard and served as the backup center-also landed on the injury report with a thumb and wrist issue, leaving his status in doubt.
It’s a critical stretch for Detroit. At 8-6, they’re right in the thick of the playoff race, but the margin for error is razor-thin.
Losing Joseph stings, no question. But if the offensive line can hold up, and if the defense can find a way to compensate for the absence of their top ballhawk, the Lions still have a shot to make noise down the stretch.
This team has shown resilience all year. Now, they’ll need every bit of it.