By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for another critical matchup — but they’ll be doing it in the middle of an injury downpour. As Week 15 rolls in, Detroit’s depth chart looks more like a medical report, and the secondary is taking the hardest hits.
A Secondary Stretched Thin
The big headline? The Lions will once again be without two of their most important defensive back starters. Terrion Arnold (concussion) and Kerby Joseph (knee) have officially been ruled out. It’s another tough blow for a defense that has spent much of the season juggling absences.
Arnold, in particular, just hasn’t been able to catch a break. The second-year corner has already missed multiple games and has exited five of the seven games he did play due to various injuries. Joseph hasn’t had it much easier — he’s now set to miss his fifth straight game. Despite limited availability, the All-Pro safety has still managed three interceptions in the three games he played, showing just how much the Lions are missing him.
When asked about Joseph’s progress, Dan Campbell kept the tone optimistic: “Doing better. Doing a lot better. Progressing, progressing.”
A Glimmer of Good News: D.J. Reed Might Return
There is, however, one potential bright spot in the defensive backfield. Veteran corner D.J. Reed has logged three straight limited practices and is officially listed as questionable. Reed hasn’t played since late September after suffering a hamstring injury, but all signs point to a possible return.
Campbell sounded encouraged: “He looks good… he’s running around well… it’s not going to take very long. It really is like riding a bike.”
If Reed is indeed back this weekend, the Lions get their top corner again — something they haven’t had in nearly two months.
The Injury Bug Isn’t Done Yet
It’s not just the defensive backs. Detroit also ruled out rookie OL Miles Frazier (knee) and edge defender Josh Paschal (back). And the list of questionable players? It’s a long one:
- CB Khalil Dorsey (wrist)
- C Graham Glasgow (knee)
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- RG Tate Ratledge (knee)
- RT Penei Sewell (ankle)
- WR Isaac TeSlaa (oblique)
- RB Sione Vaki (ankle)
- CB D.J. Reed (hamstring)
Yes — that’s four offensive linemen dealing with injuries entering a rapid three-game stretch. Thankfully, Decker and Sewell have been playing through their issues, and Glasgow/Ratledge were limited all week, suggesting they’ll likely be ready.
TeSlaa and Vaki have been grinding through injuries as well. TeSlaa even saw a bump in snaps last week with Sam LaPorta out, and Vaki continues to fight through a carousel of lower-body issues.
Looking Ahead: The Giants Are Banged Up Too
It’s not just Detroit limping into the weekend. The New York Giants will be without:
- DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
- TE Thomas Fidone
- CB Paulson Adebo
- QB Jaxson Dart
And they’ve listed several others as questionable, including DB Tae Backs and RB Eric Gray.
Final Thoughts
This game is shaping up to be a battle of attrition as much as talent. The Lions’ depth is being tested — and tested hard — but a potential return from D.J. Reed could bring a much-needed spark to the secondary.
Still, with two starters out and eight more in limbo, Detroit will need grit, creativity, and a whole lot of Dan Campbell energy to push through this storm. Let’s see how they weather it on Sunday.