Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (8-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) have declared their initial Week 16 injury reports as they prepare to face off in Week 16. Both teams are dealing with a few key injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
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.
The Lions have used six of their eight return-from-injured-reserve spots—that includes Mahogany, who is currently in the injury evaluation window—leaving them two available for the remainder of the regular season. With Manu returning to practice, that makes seven. Wright have been seen at practice working with trainers, so he appears to have a better chance of returning than Cunningham, but it’s worth pointing out that Wright is not eligible to begin practicing until Week 18. However, if the Lions make the Ppayoffs, they are given an additional two return-from-IR spots, which they could use as needed.
Decker has routinely taken practices off throughout the season, even missing all three practices in Week 15, but the extra time off has worked, and he’s been available to play on game day. Expect him to continue to get time off as the season progresses.
Joseph suffered a setback last week, according to Campbell, and at this stage of the season, it’s fair to wonder if he will be able to recover from this latest obstacle in time to play this season.
Vaki has been able to practice and play through his thumb injury for a few weeks now, and he looks to be on that same track to start this week of practices.
Trystan Colon is a new addition to the injury report, but given some improved health at the guard position—more on that in a minute—he may be moved to a reserve role this week anyways.
Robertson injured his hand in Week 15 and needed to exit the game, but on Monday, coach Dan Campbell gave an optimistic update on his potential availability.
“Hand injury, so it’s something that could affect him a little bit. But I think we’d like to believe he’s going to have a chance to play here. But until we get through practice, we won’t entirely know,” Campbell said.
