The Detroit Lions are heading into a pivotal Week 16 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a key piece of their secondary still sidelined. All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game, marking his ninth consecutive missed contest due to a nagging knee injury.
Joseph’s absence continues to be a tough blow for a Lions defense that’s been fighting through adversity all season. After a breakout 2024 campaign where he led the league with nine interceptions and earned First Team All-Pro honors, Joseph was expected to be a cornerstone of Detroit’s secondary this year.
But 2025 hasn’t gone according to plan. His knee has been a persistent issue, and a recent setback only added to the uncertainty surrounding his return.
At one point, the team even considered placing him on injured reserve-a move that would’ve effectively ended his season.
In his place, rookie safety Thomas Harper will get the start on Sunday. Harper has cleared concussion protocol and steps into a high-pressure spot against a Steelers offense that, while inconsistent, still has the firepower to test a young safety. It’s a big opportunity for Harper to show he can hold his own when the lights are brightest.
Detroit isn’t the only team limping into this matchup. The Steelers will also be without some key contributors, including star pass rusher T.J.
Watt, cornerback James Pierre, and veteran guard Isaac Seumalo. Watt’s absence, in particular, is massive-he’s the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s defense and one of the most disruptive players in the league.
Without him, the Lions’ offensive line might find a little more breathing room to establish rhythm and protect the quarterback.
This game carries weight for both teams as the playoff race tightens, and with stars on both sides watching from the sidelines, depth and resilience will be the name of the game. For Detroit, the hope is that Harper can step in and help stabilize a secondary that’s been in flux without Joseph. And for the Steelers, they’ll need to find ways to generate pressure and stay disciplined on defense without their premier edge rusher.
Injuries are part of the grind this late in the season, but how teams adapt often separates contenders from pretenders. Sunday’s clash at Ford Field will be a test of just that.