Kerby Joseph Heads to IR, Lions Shuffle Offensive Line Ahead of Crucial Stretch
The Detroit Lions are bracing for the final stretch of the regular season without one of their most dynamic playmakers in the secondary. Safety Kerby Joseph, who leads the NFL in interceptions this season, has been placed on injured reserve - a move that all but ends his 2024 campaign.
Joseph hasn’t suited up in nearly 10 weeks, and now we know why. The knee issues that have nagged him since training camp - starting with an initial injury and later aggravated by a bone bruise in a Week 4 win over the Browns - have finally sidelined him for good. Add in a cartilage issue that’s made playing simply too painful, and the Lions had little choice but to shut him down.
While technically eligible to return for the divisional round of the playoffs, that scenario feels like a long shot. The plan for now is to explore non-surgical options in the offseason - think stem-cell therapy - in hopes of getting Joseph back to full strength without going under the knife.
A Big Loss for a Defense That’s Leaned on Joseph’s Ball-Hawking Ability
Joseph’s absence is a significant blow for a Lions defense that’s been opportunistic all season. His instincts and range in the back end have helped Detroit flip the field and create momentum-shifting plays. It’s not easy to replace a guy who leads the league in picks, and with the Lions sitting at 8-6 and jockeying for playoff position, the timing couldn’t be tougher.
Christian Mahogany Activated, Just in Time
To fill Joseph’s spot on the 53-man roster, the Lions activated rookie guard Christian Mahogany from injured reserve. Mahogany has been sidelined since early November with a broken bone in his left leg, but according to head coach Dan Campbell, he “looked pretty good” in practice this week - a sign that he could be ready to contribute right away.
His return couldn’t come at a better time. Detroit has been in scramble mode up front all year, cycling through seven different offensive line combinations due to a steady stream of injuries. Getting Mahogany back gives the Lions some much-needed depth and flexibility as they try to stabilize things in the trenches.
Injuries Continue to Test Offensive Line Depth
The offensive line shuffle isn’t over, though. Starting center Graham Glasgow is questionable for Sunday’s showdown with the Steelers due to a knee injury.
That’s led to Kingsley Eguakun - a rookie with just three offensive snaps under his belt - getting first-team reps in practice this week. If Glasgow can’t go, Eguakun could be thrust into a starting role in one of the most physical matchups of the season.
The Lions also elevated tight end Giovanni Ricci and Eguakun from the practice squad to the gameday roster, a move that signals just how thin things are getting, especially on the interior.
Meanwhile, veteran left tackle Taylor Decker continues to gut it out through a shoulder injury that’s lingered all season. And Trystan Colon, who’s been filling in at left guard and serving as the backup center, is now questionable himself with a thumb/wrist issue.
Lions Leaning on Resilience as Playoff Push Heats Up
Injuries are part of the game, especially in December. But for the Lions, the sheer volume of them - particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary - is testing the team’s depth and resilience.
Joseph’s loss hurts, no question. But getting Mahogany back and possibly seeing young players like Eguakun step up could be key to keeping this playoff run alive.
With three games left and postseason hopes very much in play, it’s next man up - and the Lions are about to find out just how deep their roster really is.