As the Detroit Lions get ready for their Week 16 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has released its first injury report of the week. Both clubs enter the matchup with identical 8–6 records and are navigating several injury concerns, particularly on defense. Detroit, however, is starting to see encouraging signs along the offensive line.
Below is a breakdown of where things stand heading into the week, with any notable changes highlighted.
Injured Reserve Status
TE Brock Wright (neck) — On IR, eligible to return starting Week 18
OT Giovanni Manu (knee) — On IR, evaluation window has opened
LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) — On IR
Detroit has already used six of its eight available return-from-IR designations. Manu’s activation window brings that total to seven, leaving just one spot for the rest of the regular season. Wright has been spotted working with trainers, which suggests he may be closer to returning than Cunningham, though league rules prevent him from practicing until Week 18. If the Lions reach the postseason, they will receive two additional IR return slots, giving them more flexibility.
Did Not Practice
LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
S Kerby Joseph (knee)
Decker has frequently been given rest days throughout the season, even missing entire practice weeks before still suiting up on Sundays. That pattern is expected to continue.
Joseph, on the other hand, reportedly experienced another setback, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Given the timing and severity, there is growing uncertainty about whether he’ll be able to return before the season concludes.
Limited Practice Participants
RB Sione Vaki (thumb)
OL Trystan Colon (knee) — Injured in Week 15
OT Giovanni Manu (knee) — IR evaluation window
CB Amik Robertson (hand) — Injured in Week 15
Vaki has managed his thumb issue for several weeks and continues to practice and play through it without major disruption.
Colon is a new addition after suffering a knee injury last week, but with other linemen trending toward better health, his role may be reduced moving forward.
Robertson left last week’s game with a hand injury, but Campbell expressed optimism about his chances of playing.
> “It’s a hand injury, so there’s potential it could bother him,” Campbell said. “But we’re hopeful he’ll have an opportunity to play. We’ll know more as the week goes on.
Full Practice
G Kayode Awosika (foot)
S Thomas Harper (concussion)
G Christian Mahogany (working through evaluation window)
Mahogany continues to progress after opening his evaluation window. He was close to returning last week, initially listed as questionable before being ruled out late. A full practice this week could put him back in the lineup.
Awosika practiced on a limited basis last week but was ultimately inactive. His return to full participation suggests improvement and gives Detroit another option along the interior line.
Harper practiced fully last week but was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for the game. His continued full participation indicates he may be nearing clearance, which is timely after the team lost Erick Hallett from the practice squad.
Removed From Injury Report
WR Kalif Raymond (ankle)
TE Shane Zylstra (knee)
LB Alex Anzalone (illness)
These players have recovered enough that they no longer require injury designations.
