By Moses Joshua 
Detroit Receives Mixed News Ahead of High-Stakes Clash With the Rams
As the Detroit Lions continued their Week 15 preparation on Thursday, the team walked into practice with a blend of optimism and concern. While a key defensive leader made his return to the field, two significant contributors remained absent, casting uncertainty over their availability for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone Returns, Restoring Stability to the Defense
For Detroit, the most encouraging development came with the return of veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who missed Wednesday’s session due to illness. His appearance during the portion of practice open to media instantly boosted the morale of a defense that has been tested repeatedly throughout the season.
Anzalone’s presence has long been tied to the unit’s communication, discipline, and emotional heartbeat—making his return especially critical as the Lions prepare to face one of the league’s top offenses led by Matthew Stafford.
Kerby Joseph and Taylor Decker Still Absent
The good news stopped there. Two cornerstone players—safety Kerby Joseph and left tackle Taylor Decker—were not spotted during Thursday’s practice, adding to the growing list of concerns for Detroit.
Joseph, who has missed seven straight games, was limited on Wednesday as the staff monitored how his body responded before making any determination on his availability. His absence Thursday marks an unwelcome step back.
Detroit is equally uneasy about the status of Decker, whose reliability on the blindside has been essential for keeping quarterback Jared Goff upright during the Lions’ playoff push. With a fierce Rams defensive front looming, led by standouts Kobie Turner and Jared Verse, any uncertainty at left tackle raises alarm.
Christian Mahogany Remains Hopeful for a Return
Second-year lineman Christian Mahogany, still rehabbing a leg injury, continues to push toward a late-season return. The young guard expressed gratitude that his setback did not require surgery and maintained a determined outlook.
“I mean, it is not really frustrating,” Mahogany said. “I’ve been through an injury probably far worse. So, you just got to put your head down, work… do what the training room says.”
Despite being sidelined, Mahogany hasn’t seen the offensive line chemistry diminish.
“I don’t think it’s really stunted… the guys that have been in there have done a great job,” he added. “Hopefully I can just implement myself right back in.”
Mahogany, who cracked the rotation late last season, believes he is close to rejoining the mix.
“This is the NFL… I had really good guys. I had Frank, Deck, Penei. I was like the young guy soaking it all in,” he reflected. “I’m hoping this week or next week.”
A Crucial Stretch Begins
With the Lions fighting to secure their postseason path, every injury update carries extra weight. Anzalone’s return brings welcome stability to a defense that will be challenged heavily on Sunday—but the continued absences of Joseph and Decker cast doubt on Detroit’s overall readiness.
The coming days will determine whether the Lions enter Los Angeles at full strength or with major gaps in key areas. Either way, the stakes couldn’t be much higher as Detroit marches into one of the defining games of its season.