Lions’ Secondary Takes Major Hit: Injuries to Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph Leave Detroit Vulnerable Down the Stretch
The Detroit Lions are staring down a familiar and frustrating scenario. Just when it looked like they might be getting healthier, two of their top defensive backs-Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph-are now out, likely for the rest of the season. And with the playoffs looming, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Let’s start with Arnold. The second-year corner had already been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury earlier in the season.
He missed time, got back on the field, and tried to gut it out. But after suffering a concussion and aggravating that same shoulder, the decision was finally made to shut him down and opt for surgery.
It’s a tough blow for a young player who was showing real promise and playing through pain to try and help his team.
Kerby Joseph, meanwhile, had returned from a knee injury in time for Detroit’s Week 6 matchup against the Chiefs. At the time, it looked like a minor issue that he could manage.
But now, he too is expected to miss the rest of the year. That’s two of the Lions’ top pass defenders out of the picture just as the NFC playoff race hits its most critical stretch.
Injuries Are Part of the Game-But the Timing Here Is Brutal
There’s no sugarcoating it: these injuries leave Detroit dangerously thin in the secondary. And the schedule isn’t doing them any favors.
In Week 14, they host the Dallas Cowboys, who are firing on all cylinders offensively. Dak Prescott is playing some of the best football of his career, and he’s got a loaded arsenal with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb stretching defenses every which way. Without Arnold and Joseph in the back end, the Lions will have to rely on backups and practice squad call-ups to try and slow down one of the hottest passing attacks in the league.
Then comes Week 15, when Detroit will face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams form a trio that can carve up even a healthy secondary. For a banged-up Lions defense, it’s a daunting task-and one that could ultimately decide their playoff fate.
Depth Is a Real Concern-And So Is the Long-Term Outlook
The Lions simply don’t have much left at corner or safety. They’ve already dipped into the practice squad for reinforcements, but that’s not a sustainable solution when you’re facing elite quarterbacks and Pro Bowl-caliber receivers week after week. If Joseph’s injury is as serious as it appears, Detroit may need to take a hard look at free agency and the upcoming draft to restock the secondary.
But beyond the immediate personnel issues, there’s a bigger question here: how did the Lions get back into this spot?
After a 2024 season already marred by injuries, it’s clear that Detroit has to take a closer look at how they’re handling player rehab and injury evaluations. Arnold’s situation, in particular, raises eyebrows. If the shoulder was bad enough to require surgery now, was there a missed opportunity to shut him down earlier-perhaps back in Week 5-and avoid the risk of further damage?
Looking Ahead: Lessons to Learn
Injuries are a part of football. Every team deals with them.
But the best teams-the ones still playing deep into January-are often the ones that manage the health of their stars with long-term vision. The Lions have a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a fan base that’s been waiting a long time for a deep playoff run.
But to get there, they’ll need to be sharper not just on Sundays, but in the training room too.
For now, Detroit has no choice but to regroup. The next two weeks will test their depth, their resilience, and their playoff hopes. And if they fall short, these injuries to Arnold and Joseph will be remembered as turning points in a season that once held so much promise.