Kerby Joseph may be on track for a big comeback against the Rams, based on Detroit’s latest injury update.

Head coach Dan Campbell — along with the Lions’ newest practice report — offered fans a real boost of optimism ahead of a crucial Week 15 showdown with Los Angeles.

If it feels like every Detroit game lately has been labeled “must-win,” here we go again. This matchup has massive playoff implications for both sides. It’s Matthew Stafford returning to face Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown going head-to-head with Puka Nacua, and Aidan Hutchinson clashing with rookie standout Jared Verse — a heavyweight battle that could dramatically reshape the postseason picture. A Lions victory would significantly strengthen their Wild Card hopes, while a Rams win would officially punch their ticket to the playoffs.

At this point in the season, health often determines who survives the playoff push, and Detroit may finally be catching a break. Safety Kerby Joseph, who has wrestled with a lingering knee issue all year, returned to the practice field in a limited capacity. It’s worth noting he sat out Thursday’s session, but his appearance earlier in the week is still a positive sign for the defense.

His presence could meaningfully alter Detroit’s defensive approach.

Why Joseph’s potential return is huge for the Lions defense

Detroit has consistently struggled to prevent explosive passing plays, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in that category. The losses of Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold have only magnified the secondary’s issues. Joseph’s ball-hawking ability is something the Lions simply haven’t been able to replicate since he went down — he recorded three interceptions in just six games before the knee injury sidelined him. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s a legitimate possibility he suits up on Sunday.

If he does, it would help relieve some of the strain on Avonte Maddox, who has been forced into heavy safety snaps due to injuries elsewhere in the secondary.

Detroit also brought back Arthur Maulet prior to the Rams game, adding depth at corner. Maddox is still expected to shoulder the bulk of the work at safety, but Joseph’s presence would be a major stabilizer.

And the Lions will need every advantage they can get. Los Angeles enters the week with the league’s most efficient red-zone offense, elite scoring production, a top-three passing attack, and a quarterback playing at an MVP-caliber level. Detroit’s secondary needs reinforcements — and Joseph could be exactly the boost they’ve been missing.