By Moses Joshua 
Detroit inches closer to full strength up front as playoff pressure mounts against Pittsburgh
With everything on the line in Week 16, the Detroit Lions are finally getting a bit of good news where it matters most — in the trenches. As Detroit and Pittsburgh prepare for a pivotal showdown at Ford Field, both teams released their initial injury reports, and for the Lions, the offensive line is quietly trending in the right direction at exactly the right time.
At 8-6, Detroit’s postseason hopes demand urgency. While the injury report still carries its share of concerns, improved participation from multiple offensive linemen suggests protection for Jared Goff may soon stabilize.
Offensive Line Reinforcements Starting to Emerge
The most encouraging development centers on the interior line. Guard Kayode Awosika returned to full participation after missing last week’s game despite three limited practices. His inability to suit up in Week 15 raised eyebrows, but a clean return to practice gives Detroit much-needed flexibility up front.
Meanwhile, rookie guard Christian Mahogany continues progressing through his injury evaluation window. Last week’s late-week downgrade hinted at caution rather than regression, and a full practice later in the week could put him back in uniform Sunday.
Giovanni Manu’s situation is also worth watching closely. The tackle’s evaluation clock has officially started, and his return to practice provides depth at a position where Detroit has carefully managed snaps all season.
Even with Trystan Colon added to the report after a Week 15 injury, Detroit’s guard group appears healthier than it has been in weeks — a crucial development against a physical Steelers front.
Taylor Decker’s Maintenance Plan Continues
Left tackle Taylor Decker once again landed on the “no practice” list, but there’s little panic surrounding his status. This has become routine.
Decker sat out all three practices last week and still suited up on game day. Expect Detroit to continue managing his reps carefully as the season winds down, prioritizing availability over practice volume.
Secondary Still Banged Up, But Optimism Remains
The injury report isn’t without concern. Safety Kerby Joseph remains sidelined after suffering a setback, and his availability for the remainder of the season remains uncertain.
Cornerback Amik Robertson, however, offers a glimmer of hope. After exiting Week 15 with a hand injury, head coach Dan Campbell sounded cautiously optimistic.
“Hand injury, so it’s something that could affect him a little bit. But I think we’d like to believe he’s going to have a chance to play here. But until we get through practice, we won’t entirely know,” Campbell said.
Thomas Harper’s full participation is also notable as he works through concussion protocol, especially after Detroit lost Erick Hallett from the practice squad.
Key Players Trending Back at the Right Time
Detroit also welcomed back several contributors who no longer appear on the injury report, including Kalif Raymond, Shane Zylstra, and Alex Anzalone. Their return further stabilizes a roster that has been stretched thin in recent weeks.
With Brock Wright inching closer to a potential late-season return and two IR activations still available, Detroit has options if it can extend its season.
Timing Matters — And the Lions Know It
This Week 16 matchup carries playoff implications for both teams, and while neither roster is pristine, Detroit’s improving offensive line health could tilt the balance. Against a Steelers team that thrives on pressure and physicality, protection up front may be the difference between extending the season or watching it slip away.
For the Lions, this isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being healthy enough to fight. And for the first time in weeks, that goal feels attainable.