Detroit Lions Injury Report: Key Starters Trending in Different Directions Ahead of Crucial Matchup
As the Detroit Lions (8-5) gear up for a pivotal late-season stretch, Thursday’s injury report offered a mix of familiar caution and potential optimism. With the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) looming, Detroit’s health situation is as layered as ever - and worth a closer look.
Let’s break it down by position group and impact, focusing on what matters most heading into the weekend.
No Practice: Familiar Names, Lingering Concerns
LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
Decker’s absence isn’t exactly a red flag - at least not yet.
The veteran left tackle has routinely taken a day off each week as part of his ongoing shoulder management. But missing a second straight practice is a little out of the norm, and with the Rams’ pass rush on deck, any uncertainty at left tackle is worth monitoring closely.
S Kerby Joseph (knee)
Joseph’s situation is a bit murkier.
After returning to limited action last week, he was back on the field Wednesday but sat out Thursday. That could be part of a cautious ramp-up plan - or it could suggest the knee isn’t responding the way the team had hoped.
Either way, the All-Pro safety’s status will be one of the key storylines to watch heading into the weekend. Detroit’s secondary is already stretched thin, and Joseph’s presence - or absence - could swing the defensive game plan.
S Brian Branch (Achilles)
Branch remains on the report, but this is procedural at this point.
He’s already had surgery for a torn Achilles and is out for the season. The Lions haven’t officially placed him on injured reserve yet, but that’s more about roster mechanics than any real uncertainty.
Limited Practice: Trending Toward Game Day - Maybe
DB Sione Vaki (thumb)
Vaki continues to manage a thumb injury that’s limited his practice reps but hasn’t kept him off the field on game days.
Whether it’s a sprain or a fracture, it’s clearly something he’s learning to play through. Expect him to be active again this week - though the thumb may continue to be a factor in ball security and tackling technique.
WR Kalif Raymond (knee)
Raymond returned to practice this week after missing the last two games, and that’s a positive sign for Detroit’s special teams unit.
Coordinator Dave Fipp has made it clear: once Raymond is healthy, he’s the punt returner. But with Tom Kennedy holding down the kick return role, Raymond’s offensive snaps could be more limited.
Look for him to slot back into a WR3/4 role, potentially rotating with rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
TE Shane Zylstra (knee)
Zylstra’s stacking practices this week, and the timing is no coincidence.
With Detroit releasing two tight ends in recent days, the door is open for Zylstra to be activated from injured reserve and rejoin the 53-man roster - possibly as soon as this weekend. His return would give the offense another versatile option, particularly in red zone and short-yardage packages.
G Christian Mahogany (knee)
Mahogany is just two days into his 21-day evaluation window, and while he’s pushing to return this week, the more realistic target might be Week 16 or 17.
The rookie lineman has been progressing well, but Detroit may opt to give him a bit more time before throwing him back into the fire. That said, he’s one to keep an eye on - especially with the left guard spot still unsettled.
G Kayode Awosika (foot)
Awosika missed last week’s game after a mid-week foot injury, but back-to-back practices suggest he’s trending in the right direction.
If he’s ready, he could reclaim the starting left guard spot. If not, the Lions may stick with Trystan Colon, who’s filled in capably the past two games.
The decision may ultimately hinge on whether Mahogany is cleared in time or if the Lions want to ease him back in.
S Khalil Dorsey (concussion protocol)
Dorsey has now practiced two straight days, and that’s a strong indicator he’s progressing through the league’s concussion protocol.
With Branch out and Joseph questionable, getting Dorsey back would be a significant boost for a secondary that’s already in scramble mode. If cleared, expect him to play a meaningful role in coverage packages.
Full Practice: A Key Defensive Leader Returns
LB Alex Anzalone (illness)
After missing Wednesday’s session due to illness, Anzalone returned to practice Thursday - and that’s big news for Detroit’s defense.
The veteran linebacker is not only the green-dot play-caller, but also one of the team’s most reliable coverage defenders. With the Rams’ offensive weapons, particularly out of the backfield and in the short passing game, Anzalone’s presence will be critical.
What It All Means
The Lions are navigating a familiar late-season balancing act - managing injuries while trying to keep their playoff push on track. With foundational players like Decker and Joseph uncertain, and reinforcements like Zylstra and Mahogany inching closer to returns, Detroit’s depth is being tested.
The next 48 hours will be telling. Friday’s final injury report will offer more clarity, but for now, the Lions are walking the fine line between rest, recovery, and readiness.
And with the 10-3 Rams up next, there’s not much margin for error.