Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (8-5) and Los Angeles Rams (10-3) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 15 matchup. The Lions’ starting safeties have incurred a couple of brutal blows this week, both of which will likely jeopardize their seasons.
Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.
Joseph has apparently suffered a setback with his knee, according to coach Dan Campbell, and is now a candidate for IR. Landing in IR at this time in the year would effectively end a season of frustration, where he’s continuously fought to get his knee rehabilitated.
“Kerby had a setback, so obviously, not as – don’t feel as good about that,” Campbell said on Friday
Branch being ruled out is a formality, as he has already had successful Achilles surgery and is expected to be placed on IR on Saturday.
Vaki has been able to play through his thumb injury for a few weeks now and is expected to play this weekend, despite the questionable designation.
Raymond has been trending toward returning this week, and he should have a chance to be active on Sunday. If able to play, he should reassume his punt returner role and will contribute as a WR3 or WR4 option on offense.
Zylstra remains on injured reserve for the moment, but a questionable designation suggests there’s a chance he is removed from IR—likely this Saturday before the team travels to LA—and re-added to the 53-man roster. He’ll have a chance to step into a TE1 or TE2 upon his return to action.
Decker missed all three practices this week, which is mildly concerning, but this is something the veteran offensive lineman has done previously this year, so there’s still a realistic chance he can suit up on Sunday. It’s notable that “rest” was added to his injury report on Friday. If he’s not able to play, Dan Skipper would most likely step into the starting left tackle role, and his sixth OL role would be passed along to another reserve offensive lineman.
Mahogany has participated in three practices since his injury evaluation clock has started, and while it seems unlikely he’ll be activated from IR this week, the Lions have left the door open. Mahogany has said he doesn’t anticipate being in this recovery window for long, but it’ll likely be at least another week before he gets another shot to return to the active roster.
Awosika missed last week’s game but...
