Lions Injury Report: Safety Depth Takes a Major Hit Ahead of Crucial Matchup with Rams
As the Detroit Lions (8-5) prepare for a pivotal Week 15 showdown against the red-hot Los Angeles Rams (10-3), the injury report paints a tough picture-especially in the secondary. With both starting safeties now officially ruled out, Detroit’s defense will be tested in a big way against a Rams offense that’s been firing on all cylinders.
Let’s break down the latest on the Lions’ injury front and what it means heading into Sunday.
Ruled Out: Safety Duo Sidelined
Kerby Joseph (knee)
Brian Branch (Achilles)
This is a brutal blow for the Lions’ defense. Kerby Joseph, a key playmaker on the back end, has suffered a setback with his knee.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news Friday, and with Joseph now a candidate for injured reserve, his season could be effectively over. It’s been a frustrating campaign for the third-year safety, who’s battled through rehab all year trying to get back to full strength.
“Kerby had a setback, so obviously, not as-don’t feel as good about that,” Campbell said Friday.
As for Brian Branch, his absence was expected. The rookie standout underwent successful Achilles surgery earlier this week and will be placed on IR this weekend. Branch had emerged as a versatile weapon in Detroit’s secondary, so losing both he and Joseph in the same week is a tough pill to swallow.
Questionable: Several Starters in Limbo
Sione Vaki (thumb)
Vaki has been gutting it out with a thumb injury for a few weeks now, and there’s no indication that’ll change this Sunday. Despite the questionable tag, all signs point to him suiting up again.
Kalif Raymond (knee)
Raymond is trending in the right direction after missing time, and there’s optimism he’ll be active against the Rams. If cleared, expect him to resume punt return duties and slide back in as a WR3/WR4 option in the passing game.
Shane Zylstra (knee)
Zylstra remains on IR for now, but his questionable status hints at a possible activation before the team departs for Los Angeles. If he’s cleared, he could jump right into the TE2 role-or even TE1, depending on how the Lions deploy their tight ends.
Taylor Decker (groin/ankle/rest)
Decker didn’t practice at all this week, which naturally raises some eyebrows.
That said, the veteran left tackle has pulled this off before-missing practice and still playing on Sunday. The addition of “rest” to his injury designation on Friday is a subtle but important detail.
If Decker can’t go, Dan Skipper would likely step in at left tackle, and the Lions would have to reshuffle their depth along the offensive line.
Christian Mahogany (knee)
Mahogany has logged three practices since his IR evaluation window opened, but it still feels like he’s a week away from returning. The rookie lineman has expressed confidence in a quick turnaround, but this Sunday might come just a bit too soon.
Kayode Awosika (ankle)
Awosika missed last week’s game but practiced fully this week, putting him in position to return at left guard.
If he’s not quite ready, Trystan Colon would likely get the nod. Either way, don’t be surprised if rookie Miles Frazier gets some rotational reps-Detroit seems intent on getting him more involved.
Khalil Dorsey (illness)
Dorsey was not on the final injury report, signaling he’s good to go.
Khalil Harper (concussion)
Harper has been practicing all week, but he’s still in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Campbell sounded cautiously optimistic but stopped short of confirming his availability.
“Harper will be out there at practice today, so feel pretty good about him, but we’ll see,” Campbell said. “There again, I can’t give you a definitive right now, but that’s kind of where we’re at.”
If Harper isn’t cleared in time, the Lions will be digging deep into their safety reserves. Avonte Maddox, Daniel Thomas, or practice squad call-up Erick Hallett would be next in line. All three have been getting increased reps in practice, and Campbell made it clear the staff is preparing for every scenario.
“Look, Hallett’s been taking reps, DT’s been taking reps, Maddox has been taking reps,” Campbell said. “We’ve got plenty of guys. They’re getting valuable reps, so we’re good.”
Reinforcements on the Way?
This week, the Lions made a couple of moves to bolster their depleted secondary, claiming veteran Jalen Mills off waivers and signing Damontae Kazee to the practice squad. However, with such a quick turnaround, it’s unlikely either will be ready to step into a significant role on Sunday.
No Injury Designation: Alex Anzalone (illness)
Anzalone missed Wednesday’s session due to illness but returned to practice Thursday and Friday. He’s good to go and will be a critical piece in helping stabilize a defense that’s suddenly missing two of its starting safeties.
What It All Means
The Lions are walking into a high-stakes matchup with a banged-up secondary and some big question marks on the offensive line. Going up against a Rams team that’s won six of its last seven and features a quarterback-wide receiver duo that’s been torching defenses, Detroit’s depth and resilience will be put to the test.
This is where coaching, preparation, and locker room leadership really come into play. The Lions have built a culture that prides itself on "next man up" mentality-and they'll need every bit of that ethos to pull this one off in LA.