Detroit Lions

Lions rule out All-Pro safety, list seven others as questionable for matchup with Rams

The Detroit Lions will once again be without All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph this weekend, and seven additional players are entering Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams with questionable designations.

Joseph and Brian Branch were the only players officially ruled out. Branch recently underwent Achilles surgery and is done for the year, though the team has not yet moved him to injured reserve. Joseph, meanwhile, is set to miss his eighth consecutive game, and head coach Dan Campbell indicated he suffered a setback that could lead to an IR stint.

Decker has been sidelined at practice all week, but he has been managing a shoulder issue for much of the season and recently played three games in a span of less than 14 days. Awosika, who sat out last week’s win over Dallas, practiced on a limited basis throughout the week.

With Awosika unavailable against the Cowboys, Trystan Colon and Miles Frazier shared snaps at left guard. Detroit may need to repeat that approach Sunday unless Awosika is ready to return.

Mahogany practiced for the first time in weeks, logging limited sessions on all three days. Although he appears to be a longshot to suit up, the Lions still listed him as questionable after his encouraging week.

Zylstra has been working his way back for two weeks after returning from injured reserve. Detroit currently has only one healthy tight end on the 53-man roster—Anthony Firkser—and hopes Zylstra can be activated.

Campbell said Harper still has a legitimate shot to play despite his week spent in concussion protocol. With Joseph and Branch unavailable, the Lions could benefit from Harper teaming with Avonte Maddox on the back end against a potent Rams offense.

“Harper will be out there at practice today, so we feel pretty good about him, but we’ll see,” Campbell said Friday morning. “I can’t give you anything definitive yet. But we’re in a good spot. Guys like Erick Hallett, Daniel Thomas, and Maddox have all taken plenty of reps, so we’re prepared.”

Raymond, sidelined the past two weeks after injuring his ankle against the Giants, has a realistic chance to return and resume punt-return duties.

Vaki continues to play through his thumb issue, though he has stopped returning kicks since the injury, leaving Tom Kennedy and Jacob Saylors to handle those responsibilities.

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