By Moses Joshua 
With Kerby Joseph Still Out, Detroit Turns to a Rising Defender in a High-Stakes Thanksgiving Clash
The Detroit Lions enter their Thanksgiving matchup against the Green Bay Packers with plenty on the line—divisional positioning, playoff hopes, and a chance to wipe away the bitter taste of their Week 1 loss. But despite the magnitude of the moment, they’ll once again be without one of their pillars on defense. And that absence is pushing an unexpected name into the spotlight.
Kerby Joseph’s Ongoing Absence Forces Detroit to Dig Deep
For the fourth straight week, the Lions will be without All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph. The versatile defensive centerpiece hasn’t played since aggravating his knee injury on October 12, and while there was faint optimism he could return in time for Thursday, Dan Campbell shut that door early in the week.
“Yeah, I don’t see Kerby this week,” Campbell said, noting that Joseph is “rehabbing” and working to strengthen and stabilize the injured area so the team can avoid the exhausting cycle of limited returns and setbacks. Campbell emphasized the long-term value of patience—even if it means being without one of Detroit’s best defenders in its biggest game of the season.
The Lions have taken the approach that preserving Joseph for the stretch run outweighs rushing him back for this one matchup, no matter how critical. But the ripple effect is unmistakable: someone has to fill the void. And lately, that someone has been Thomas Harper.
Thomas Harper: Quiet Addition, Growing Responsibility
Harper, acquired from the Raiders, has become one of Detroit’s most important stopgaps in the secondary—and his rise couldn’t be better timed.
Last week against the Giants, Harper posted his highest overall and coverage grades of the season, per Pro Football Focus. His comfort in the system and growing confidence are evident on the field. But Thursday’s test is far greater.
Detroit’s secondary has been punished by deep passing all year. The Lions allow the highest average depth of target in the NFL (10.28 yards), a troubling trend given what the Packers bring to the table. Even without Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed, Green Bay still fields two dangerous vertical threats:
- Christian Watson — third-highest ADOT in the NFL (19.8 yards)
- Romeo Doubs — 27th among qualifiers (13.2 yards)
Jordan Love isn’t shy about stretching the field, and the Packers will undoubtedly test Harper early—and relentlessly.
Reinforcements Return, but Harper Still Holds a Key Role
The Lions aren’t entering this matchup empty-handed. DJ Reed returned last week and looked sharp. Terrion Arnold has a real shot to clear concussion protocol. Brian Branch continues to be one of Detroit’s most versatile assets.
With ¾ of the Lions’ intended starting secondary back in place, Harper won’t be left on an island—but he will be in the crosshairs.
If he holds up, Detroit’s defense becomes exponentially more stable. If he struggles, the Packers may seize control of the game the same way they did back in Week 1.
A Chance for Redemption on Thanksgiving
The Lions have waited weeks to get healthy on the back end, and while Joseph’s absence stings, this matchup offers Harper a defining opportunity.
Green Bay beat Detroit deep in September. The Lions believe they’re better prepared now. The question is whether Harper can rise to the moment—and help deliver a cold plate of revenge in front of a national audience.
If he can, Detroit’s holiday feast could taste a whole lot sweeter.