With the Detroit Lions (8-7) set to face the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) on Christmas Day in a crucial Week 17 clash, both teams have released their initial injury reports. The short week has altered the usual rhythm for Detroit, with Monday functioning as a walkthrough. That means all practice designations are estimates - projections of what each player would have done had the team held a full practice.
Let’s break down what we know so far, starting with Detroit, where a few key names are either banged up or trending in the wrong direction.
Lions Injury Report: Key Players in Question
Injured Reserve Update
Safety Kerby Joseph was placed on injured reserve last Saturday, and while technically eligible to return for the Divisional Round, the reality is that his season is likely over.
The team has maintained all year that he was close, but they haven’t been able to get his knee to settle down. At this point, the hope is that an offseason of rest will finally give him the reset he needs heading into 2026.
Did Not Practice (Estimated)
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee)
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- DB Avonte Maddox (back)
Let’s start with the big one: Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The star wideout played 97% of the offensive snaps in Week 16, but a knee issue showed up after the game. Head coach Dan Campbell said it popped up Monday morning and is hopeful it’s just irritation.
On a short week, it could be precautionary, but this is definitely a situation to watch closely.
Taylor Decker’s shoulder has been an ongoing issue, and it’s become routine for him to rest during the week, especially ahead of short turnarounds. Don’t be surprised if he’s held out of most, if not all, practices this week.
Avonte Maddox finished the game against Pittsburgh despite injuring his back. That suggests this could be more of a maintenance day, but since it’s a soft tissue issue, it’s not something to take lightly.
Limited Practice (Estimated)
- C Graham Glasgow (knee)
- LG Christian Mahogany (fibula)
- OL Trystan Colon (wrist)
- OT Giovanni Manu (knee)
- WR Tom Kennedy (abdomen)
- DT Alim McNeill (abdomen)
- EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee)
- EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder)
- CB Amik Robertson (hand)
Graham Glasgow is working his way back after missing last week’s game. He didn’t practice late last week and was ruled out, so seeing him listed as limited on a short turnaround is actually a positive step. If he can’t go, Trystan Colon - assuming he’s healthy - or Kingsley Eguakun could step in again.
Christian Mahogany, who just came off IR ahead of Week 16, played nearly every snap against the Steelers but was seen limping postgame. The Lions gave rookie Miles Frazier a few reps, but Mahogany was clearly the starter. A limited practice suggests he’s trending toward playing, though he may not be 100%.
Colon’s wrist injury kept him out last week, despite getting some limited work in during the week. If Glasgow can’t go and Colon is cleared, he could be next in line to start.
Giovanni Manu remains in his 21-day evaluation window. The Lions aren’t hurting for offensive line depth at the moment, so there’s no rush to activate him unless someone else goes down.
Tom Kennedy, Alim McNeill, and Al-Quadin Muhammad all played full workloads in Week 16 but emerged with soft tissue injuries. These are the kinds of injuries that can linger, so even though they’re still involved in practice, it’s worth keeping tabs on how they progress through the week.
Marcus Davenport briefly exited the game against Pittsburgh with a shoulder injury but returned and finished. His status will be one to watch, especially given the physical demands of his position.
Amik Robertson played through a hand injury last week while wearing a club. He only logged 36% of the defensive snaps, which indicates the injury is still limiting his effectiveness.
No Longer on the Injury Report
A few names are no longer listed, meaning they’ve cleared whatever physical hurdles were holding them back:
- S Sione Vaki practiced fully last week and played without a designation. He looks back to full strength.
- OL Kayode Awosika also practiced fully and didn’t carry an injury tag into the game. He was a healthy scratch, but if Mahogany’s injury worsens, Awosika could be back in the rotation.
- LB Jameson Harper cleared concussion protocol and played a full game against the Steelers. That issue appears to be behind him.
Vikings Injury Report: Several Starters Sidelined
Minnesota’s list is just as notable, with multiple starters either not practicing or limited.
Did Not Practice
- QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand)
- RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
- **TE T.J.
Hockenson (shoulder)**
- C Ryan Kelly (concussion)
- RT Brian O’Neill (heel)
The quarterback situation is murky with J.J. McCarthy dealing with a hand injury. He’s been the starter, and with the Vikings still technically alive in the playoff hunt, his status is critical.
T.J. Hockenson’s shoulder injury is another big one. He’s been a key target all season, and without him, Minnesota’s passing game takes a noticeable hit.
Ryan Kelly remains in concussion protocol, and Brian O’Neill’s heel injury is worth monitoring - especially since it affects both the pass protection and run game.
Limited Practice
- RB Aaron Jones (ankle)
- NT Javon Hargrave (thigh)
- LB Eric Wilson (thumb)
Aaron Jones has been dealing with the ankle for a while now, and the Vikings are clearly trying to manage his workload. Hargrave and Wilson are both rotational pieces on defense, but their availability could impact Minnesota’s depth, especially against a physical Detroit front.
Full Practice
- RB Ty Chandler (knee) - Still on IR
- TE Gavin Bartholomew (back) - Still on IR
- LB Austin Keys (ankle)
Chandler and Bartholomew are still technically on injured reserve, though full participation in practice suggests they’re nearing activation. Austin Keys looks good to go.
What to Watch Moving Forward
With both teams dealing with a slew of injuries and a short week to prepare, depth could play a major role in the outcome on Christmas Day. For Detroit, the status of St.
Brown, Glasgow, and Mahogany could heavily influence how effective the offense can be. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s injury list - particularly at quarterback and tight end - adds a layer of uncertainty heading into a must-win game for both squads.
We’ll get the final injury designations on Wednesday, but for now, both teams are navigating the kind of late-season attrition that can make or break playoff hopes.