By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s defensive backfield is stretched thin as injuries pile up ahead of a critical Week 12 matchup
Secondary Hit Hard as Lions Rule Out Two Starters
The Detroit Lions are bracing for another week of defensive turbulence, with two key starters in the secondary officially ruled out and eight more players landing on the injury report. As the team prepares for a pivotal stretch of games, their depth is being tested across multiple positions — but especially on the back end of the defense.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee) will miss Week 12, leaving Detroit without two of its most dynamic young defenders. Arnold, still navigating the league’s concussion protocol, has now missed two straight contests and four total this season — and has exited five of the seven games he has managed to start.
Joseph, meanwhile, is now sidelined for the fifth game in a row as he continues to battle persistent knee issues dating back to training camp. Despite the setbacks, head coach Dan Campbell offered a glimmer of optimism, saying the All-Pro safety is “doing better. Doing a lot better… progressing, progressing.”
Joseph has remained highly productive when available, recording three interceptions in just three appearances.
Possible Boost: D.J. Reed Has a Chance to Return
Amid the injury chaos, the Lions may finally get a veteran presence back on the field. Cornerback D.J. Reed (hamstring) is listed as questionable after completing three straight limited practices — a promising sign for a player who hasn’t played since late September.
Reed has been on injured reserve since suffering a hamstring injury against the Cleveland Browns but returned to practice last week. Campbell sounded encouraged about his chances of returning:
“He looks good,” Campbell said Friday. “He looks like he’s back off the injury, he’s running around well… it’s been a minute, but yet, he’s played a lot of ball too. And so, it’s not going to take very long. It really is like riding a bike.”
Campbell also noted that both Reed and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez appear close to returning, while veteran pass rusher Marcus Davenport is trending in the right direction — though Davenport isn’t expected to suit up until possibly Thanksgiving.
More Losses on Defense and Major Concerns on Offense
The injury wave didn’t stop at the defensive backfield. Detroit has ruled out edge defender Josh Paschal (back) and rookie offensive lineman Miles Frazier (knee), adding to a mounting list of players dealing with significant setbacks.
The Lions’ offensive line — a unit typically regarded as one of the league’s deepest — is particularly battered. Four of its members are listed as questionable:
- Graham Glasgow (knee)
- Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- Tate Ratledge (knee)
- Penei Sewell (ankle)
Decker and Sewell continue to power through their injuries, each receiving a rest day this week before logging limited sessions. Glasgow and Ratledge were limited in all practices and are trending toward being active.
The offense may also be shorthanded at other skill positions. Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (oblique) remains limited but played through the injury last week, even seeing increased usage with Sam LaPorta sidelined. Running back Sione Vaki (ankle) is also questionable after battling multiple injuries across the season.
Giants Also Dealing With Key Absences
Detroit won’t be the only team missing firepower on Sunday. The New York Giants have ruled out:
- Kayvon Thibodeaux (pass rusher)
- Thomas Fidone (tight end)
- Paulson Adebo (cornerback)
- Jaxson Dart (quarterback)
Defensive back Tae Backs, running back Eric Gray, and defensive back Tyler Nubin are questionable.
Final Thoughts
The Lions enter Week 12 with a secondary stretched to its limits and multiple offensive starters nursing injuries. While the potential return of D.J. Reed offers a much-needed boost, Detroit’s depth will again be thrust into the spotlight. With key divisional games looming and playoff positioning on the line, the Lions’ ability to adapt and remain resilient may determine how far this team can go down the stretch.