By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s Margin for Error Shrinks as Health Concerns Pile Up Before a Must-Win Week 16
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Detroit Lions enter Sunday’s showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers facing uncertainty at several critical positions. An already unforgiving situation became even tighter after the team’s final injury report revealed two players ruled out and five others listed as questionable—many of them key contributors in the trenches and secondary.
As Detroit prepares for what amounts to a postseason elimination game, availability may prove just as important as execution.
Center of Attention: Graham Glasgow’s Status in Question
Perhaps the most concerning name on the report is center Graham Glasgow, who is listed as questionable with a knee issue. Glasgow wasn’t on the injury report following Wednesday’s walkthrough, but the tone shifted quickly when he missed practice entirely on both Thursday and Friday.
If Glasgow is unable to go, the Lions will need to reshuffle the interior of their offensive line against a Steelers defense that thrives on pressure. Trystan Colon, who has started the past three games—one at center and two at left guard—could slide back into the middle. Michael Niese and Kingsley Eguakun are also options, though neither brings Glasgow’s experience.
Offensive Line Depth Tested at the Worst Possible Time
Glasgow isn’t the only lineman under scrutiny. Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest), Christian Mahogany (fibula), and Trystan Colon (wrist) are all listed as questionable.
Decker’s inclusion is familiar territory. He’s played through shoulder issues most of the season and has now appeared in eight straight games after missing two earlier in the year.
Mahogany’s situation is one to watch closely. The second-year guard has missed six games after breaking a bone in his leg but has practiced for two consecutive weeks. The Lions had long targeted late December as a realistic return window.
“I’ll know more today,” head coach Dan Campbell said Friday. “Yesterday, I thought he looked pretty good. Wasn’t perfect, but I thought he looked pretty good. And some of it’s going to be, I know he’s a little sore today and how he feels in today’s practice. That’s what a lot of it’s going to come down to.”
Secondary Shuffles and a Notable Absence
On defense, Amik Robertson (hand) is also questionable after suffering the injury while trying to punch the ball loose late in last week’s loss to the Rams. He practiced in a limited capacity all week and remains optimistic about playing, even as he considers wearing a protective club.
“I’m good, I’m good. Confident,” Robertson said. “Stuff happens, man, you know, it’s football, trying to be a hero. I like to punch the ball, you know, but that ain’t gonna stop me. I’m going to continue doing it.”
Detroit has already ruled out Kerby Joseph (knee), who will miss his ninth consecutive game after suffering a setback in practice last week. With only two games remaining after Sunday, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that the All-Pro safety returns this season.
Also out is Giovanni Manu (knee). While his 21-day return window has opened, Campbell made it clear Manu’s current focus is developmental.
A Glimpse at the Other Sideline
The Steelers aren’t without their own issues. Pittsburgh has ruled out star pass rusher T.J. Watt, who is sidelined with a partially collapsed lung suffered during a dry needling procedure. Watt has already missed one game and leaves a massive void after recording seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles this season.
Bottom Line
For the Lions, this injury report underscores just how thin the line is between extending their season and watching it slip away. Detroit doesn’t just need to play well—they need enough bodies on the field to survive.
Sunday’s game won’t just test talent or preparation. It will test resilience, depth, and adaptability. And with five contributors hanging in the balance, the Lions’ path forward remains as uncertain as it is urgent.