Lions vs Rams Week 15: Final injury report
Generally good news, thankfully
The Lions final injury report delivers generally positive news… which is certainly welcome after our fortnight of hell.
I along with all Lions fans are happy for no more surprises. This week, all players expected to be out are out. All players expected to be in will likely be in.
The Rams have an enviously tiny injury report with nobody “out” and only a single “questionable”. They did lose RT Rob Havenstein, TE Tyler Higbee and S Quentin Lake to IR earlier in the season.
Lions starters out
Out: Brian Branch, S
Out: Terrion Arnold, CB
Out: Sam LaPorta, TE
Out: Kerby Joseph, S
Likely out: Christian Mahogany, LG
(NP - no practice, LP - limited practice, FP - full practice)
DETROIT LIONS (line +6, open +5.5)
OUT
Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Joseph hasn’t played since October 12 and will miss his 8th straight game. Last week, he had his first practice in weeks but followed it up with 2x NP. This week, he also started the week with an LP but followed up with 2x NP.
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated: “Kerby had a setback.”
All this adds up to Joseph being doubtful for next week… and the rest of the season. The knee clearly isn’t responding well to practices which means it might be time to shut it down. An extended rest or consideration of a surgical procedure might be the next options.
Brian Branch, S (right Achilles) starter
Branch has had surgery already and should go on IR shortly.
QUESTIONABLE
Taylor Decker, OT (right shoulder) starter
The 3 NP’s were a concern until the “rest” designation showed up on the report. “Rest” usually implies that he’s in.
Projection: In
Christian Mahogany, OG (left fibula fracture) starter
The “fibula” listing confirms the suspicion that this was a fibula fracture. Since this is his first week in the window, he’s likely still out. But the 3x LP for the week along with questionable designation (vs doubtful/out) makes next week a good possibility.
Projection: Out. Returns on December 21 vs Steelers or December 25 vs Vikings.
Thomas Harper, S (concussion)
The 3x LP for the week means he had no setback and is firmly on track to play. He does not need an FP to play in a game - as we saw earlier in the season with Terrion Arnold.
Projection: In
Shane Zylstra, TE (knee)
Zylstra hurt his ankle and knee on September 14. His 21-day window opened on December 1 which puts the Rams game on Day 14. The 3x LP has him leaning in.
As a reader wisely noted, the Lions let go of 2 TE’s this week (Ross Dwelley, Hayden Rucci) which could signal that Zylstra is ready.
Projection: Leaning in.
Kalif Raymond, WR (left ankle)
On video, Raymond is suspected to have suffered a left high ankle sprain on November 23. He has missed the last 2 games. The 3x LP is a good sign for his availability this Sunday.
With Tom Kennedy having an excellent return game last week along with the high ceiling of Isaac TeSlaa as the #3 WR, there is no big rush to get Raymond back.
Projection: Leaning in, but semi-healthy scratch is possible.
Kayode Awosika, OG (foot)
Awosika is presumed to have hurt his foot last week in practice and missed the last game. 3x LP for the week means he is likely ready.
Projection: Leaning in, but could be a semi-healthy scratch due to the desire to give playing time to Miles Frazier.
Sione Vaki, RB (thumb)
The thumb has been on the report for multiple weeks but Vaki has played through.
Projection: In
IN
Alex Anzalone, LB (illness) starter
As expected, Anzalone has recovered quickly from his illness and is good to go.
Notables unlisted
Terrion Arnold had shoulder surgery this week. Expect him to be fully ready for next season.
For the full 2025 IR/PUP/NFI summary, find the link at the top of my home page. I also wrote a comprehensive review of the IR list earlier this week.