As the Detroit Lions (8-6) prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) in a pivotal Week 16 showdown at Ford Field, both squads are dealing with a laundry list of injuries that could shake up key matchups on Sunday. For the Lions, the biggest question marks are concentrated along the interior offensive line, where the depth is being tested and the coaching staff is bracing for multiple contingency plans.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the weekend.
Lions Injury Report: Interior Line in Flux
Detroit’s offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths this season, but right now, it’s a game of musical chairs-and the music hasn’t stopped yet.
OUT
- DL Brodric Manu: Manu returned to practice this week after a lengthy absence, but with only two sessions under his belt, he’s not quite ready for game action. The Lions still have more than two weeks left in his injury evaluation window, so there’s no urgency to rush him back before he’s fully cleared.
- S Kerby Joseph: Joseph’s absence is becoming a long-term concern. After a reported setback last week, he’s now missed five straight practices.
Head coach Dan Campbell hinted that the All-Pro safety is no closer to returning than he was two months ago. At this point, injured reserve is looking more and more like a possibility.
QUESTIONABLE
- C Graham Glasgow (knee) Glasgow’s status is one of the biggest question marks heading into Sunday.
He was estimated as a participant during Wednesday’s walkthrough, but did not practice on Thursday or Friday. If he can’t go, the Lions will likely turn to Trystan Colon, who’s also listed as questionable with a wrist injury.
If neither is available, things get interesting-Michael Niese, last year’s backup center, and Kingsley Eguakun, currently on the practice squad, are next in line.
Dan Campbell acknowledged the uncertainty, saying, “We’ve worked Colon because he’s been there. I know he’s got the wrist, but he was out there working with it yesterday.
Just trying to get Graham off his feet. We’ve worked Niese, we’ve worked Kingsley.
It’s really been a little bit of a revolving door trying to get a number of guys ready.”
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) Decker’s practice pattern this week-out Wednesday and Friday, limited Thursday-isn’t unusual for the veteran left tackle, who’s been getting regular rest days as the season wears on. He managed less practice time ahead of Week 15 and still started, so the expectation is that he’ll be good to go Sunday.
- LG Christian Mahogany (fibula, still on IR) Mahogany is still technically on injured reserve, but his evaluation window is open, and he’s making a push to return.
If activated, he’d likely slide right back into his starting left guard spot. Campbell said Mahogany looked “pretty good” in practice, though soreness could determine whether he’s activated this week or held out another game.
- OL Trystan Colon (wrist) Colon has been limited in practice all week but has participated in all three sessions. If he can manage the pain and play, he could step into a major role, especially if Glasgow is ruled out.
- CB Amik Robertson (hand) Robertson has been practicing with a club on his hand and has experience playing through this kind of injury from his college days. He’s expected to suit up if the hand protection doesn’t limit him too much.
NO INJURY DESIGNATION
- S Sione Vaki (thumb) Vaki has been gutting it out through a thumb injury for several weeks now, but he practiced fully this week. That’s a strong sign he’s close to 100%, or at least close enough to contribute at full capacity.
- OL Kayode Awosika (foot) Awosika missed the last two games but practiced in full this week and looks ready to return. Depending on how the rest of the offensive line shakes out, there’s a scenario where he could be called upon to start-possibly even at left tackle, depending on Decker’s final status.
- S Chase Harper (concussion) Harper didn’t clear concussion protocol in time for last week, but he’s been a full participant this week. If he gets the green light, he’s expected to step right back into the starting free safety role, likely alongside Avonte Maddox.
Steelers Injury Report: Watt Out, Depth Tested
The Steelers are also dealing with some high-impact injuries, particularly on defense.
OUT
- LG Isaac Seumalo (triceps)
- **EDGE T.J.
Watt (lung)**
- CB James Pierre (calf)
Watt’s absence is a massive blow to Pittsburgh’s pass rush. The perennial All-Pro has been the engine of the Steelers’ defense for years, and without him, the Lions’ offensive line-banged up as it is-catches a break.
DOUBTFUL
- EDGE Nick Herbig (hamstring) Herbig started in place of Watt last week but is now unlikely to play himself. That puts even more strain on Pittsburgh’s edge depth, which could be a major storyline if Detroit’s offensive line can hold up.
QUESTIONABLE
- LS Christian Kuntz (knee)
NO INJURY DESIGNATION
- QB Aaron Rodgers (left wrist)
- WR Ben Skowronek (illness/hand)
- LT Andrus Peat (concussion)
- C Zach Frazier (triceps)
- DL Cam Heyward (rest)
- DT Keeanu Benton (ankle)
- DT Derrick Harmon (knee)
- S Jabrill Peppers (illness)
What to Watch For
This game could come down to which team handles its injury adversity better-particularly in the trenches. For Detroit, the health of the interior offensive line will dictate how much time Jared Goff has to operate and how effective the run game can be. If Glasgow and Colon both miss the game, the Lions will be leaning on depth pieces who haven’t logged many live reps this season.
On the flip side, the Steelers’ pass rush will be operating without its most dangerous weapon in T.J. Watt, and possibly without his backup too. That’s a major advantage for a Detroit offense trying to regain rhythm heading into the playoff push.
Sunday’s matchup is shaping up to be a battle of attrition-and the team that adapts best might just come out with a critical win in the race for the postseason.