By Moses Joshua 
back Terrion Arnold ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Vikings, but several key contributors remain uncertain.
Joseph’s Absence Looms Large Ahead of Division Rivalry
The Detroit Lions are bracing for another key defensive absence as All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph is expected to miss his second straight game due to a lingering knee injury. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Friday that Joseph is unlikely to suit up when the Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.
“I don’t think he’s going to play,” Campbell said after practice. “He’s going to need a little bit here. The positive is he is getting better. It’s just going to take a minute.”
Joseph, who was already sidelined for the Lions’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the bye week, hasn’t practiced since and continues to receive treatment. Detroit’s staff had hoped that the break would help the standout safety recover, but the team is opting for caution with one of its most vital defensive pieces.
Defensive Reinforcements Arrive, but Secondary Still Thin
Terrion Arnold’s return comes at a critical time for a Lions defense that has been stretched thin in the secondary. Arnold, the second-year cornerback who missed the last two games with a shoulder issue, was a full participant in practice all week and enters the weekend without a designation — meaning he should slide back into the starting lineup on Sunday.
“It’s frustrating,” Arnold told MLive earlier this week. “But just being able to be in a place where coach (Dan) Campbell has created an environment where even when you’re not out there with your guys, you still feel like you’re contributing. Just being able to come in here with a peace of mind … trusting in God and trusting the process.”
Veteran Avonte Maddox was limited in practice this week after missing two games with a hamstring injury and remains questionable. If active, his versatility in the slot and at safety would give Detroit valuable depth behind Arnold and the returning Brian Branch, who is back after a one-game suspension.
Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad dealt with a hamstring issue earlier in the week but finished practice with back-to-back full sessions and is expected to play.
Offensive Concerns Persist for Detroit
Detroit’s offense isn’t free of injury questions either. Left tackle Taylor Decker is listed as questionable after being given Friday’s practice day off for a shoulder issue, though Campbell struck an optimistic tone.
“I do see him playing. He had a good week,” Campbell said of Decker’s recovery.
Running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring) and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) have both been ruled out. Reynolds suffered his injury during the win over Tampa Bay, while Rodriguez — who’s been working back from last year’s ACL tear — isn’t quite ready for game action despite returning to practice this week.
Second-year back Sione Vaki (groin) and safety Daniel Thomas (forearm) are also listed as questionable. Campbell sounded cautiously hopeful about Vaki’s chances, saying, “He looked good, he looks good right now, and hopefully we can get him to the game.”
Vikings Missing Familiar Face in Return to Detroit
Minnesota will be without former Lions pick Jeff Okudah, who’s been ruled out and thus will miss his first opportunity to face Detroit since being selected third overall in 2020. The Vikings also ruled out fullback C.J. Ham and tight end Josh Oliver. Coach Kevin O’Connell expects linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and tackle Christian Darrisaw to be available after both practiced late in the week.
A Healthier Outlook for a Crucial Division Showdown
Terrion Arnold’s return is a tangible boost as Detroit defends its NFC North crown, but Kerby Joseph’s continued absence underscores how thin the back end can be when injuries pile up. The Lions’ depth — and how quickly limited players like Maddox or Vaki can return to form — will be a major storyline when the two division rivals collide this weekend.