By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s post-bye practice brings optimism as several key players return to the field while a few notable absences remain.
After a much-needed bye week, the Detroit Lions kicked off their return to work with a mixed bag of injury news. While several familiar faces were back on the practice field, a few key contributors remained sidelined as the team prepares for its crucial Week 9 divisional clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
Key Players Return, Boosting Depth on Both Sides of the Ball
The most encouraging developments came on the defensive side. Safety Daniel Thomas (forearm) and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) both returned to practice this week, opening their 21-day windows to be activated from injured reserve. Each player now has just over two weeks to prove readiness for game action — a welcome sight for a defense that’s battled attrition all season.
Joining them was defensive back Avonte Maddox, who has missed two games with a nagging hamstring issue. His return would immediately bolster the Lions’ secondary, particularly at nickelback, where depth has been tested in recent weeks.
Offensively, rookie running back Sione Vaki also rejoined the team after missing more than a month. The Lions hope to work him back into the rotation ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Minnesota.
The week also marked the reinstatement of safety Brian Branch, who returned from suspension, and the continued recovery of rookie corner Terrion Arnold. Arnold, who’s been sidelined with a shoulder injury, practiced again after participating in one session last week.
Notable Absences: Three Starters Still Sidelined
While the returns provided some relief, the Lions were still without several critical players. All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee), running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring), and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (undisclosed) did not practice.
Joseph’s absence is particularly concerning. Though he sat out the team’s pre-bye matchup to rest a lingering knee injury, head coach Dan Campbell and the staff had hoped the extra week would allow him to return. The star safety has been battling knee problems since training camp but has still managed to record three interceptions through seven games.
Defensive assistant Jim O’Neill praised Joseph’s commitment to recovery and leadership behind the scenes.
“He’s working coaches’ hours because he’s here early in the morning getting treatment,” O’Neill said. “He’s in the meeting rooms after getting treatment. He’s doing everything … I think he’s been the same Kerby that we’re all used to seeing.”
Meanwhile, Reynolds and corner D.J. Reed were spotted working on the sidelines with trainers. Reed, currently on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, will be eligible to return to practice after one more game.
Taylor Decker’s Status and the Road Ahead
Left tackle Taylor Decker was initially unaccounted for during the open media session but later joined the team on the field. Campbell indicated the veteran is expected to ramp up his workload toward the end of the week. Decker played through pain before the bye, and while his practice reps have been limited, he’s proven capable of performing on game days when needed.
The Lions will take Wednesday off before resuming full practice later in the week. With several key players trending upward, the team hopes to enter its matchup against the Vikings with one of the healthiest rosters it’s had all season.
Bottom Line
Detroit’s injury outlook is finally showing signs of stabilization. The return of Rodriguez, Maddox, and Thomas adds vital depth across the defense, while the team continues to monitor Joseph and Reynolds closely.
As Campbell often says, “next man up” has been the Lions’ mantra. But as reinforcements arrive, Detroit is inching closer to fielding the full-strength lineup that helped them storm to a 5–2 record — just in time for the NFC playoff push.