Lions vs Steelers - Week 16 Final injury report (2025)
The road to the playoffs starts now
The Lions are heavy favorites (-7) in this almost must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week, they faced a new nemesis in Matthew Stafford. This week, they face an old nemesis in Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers.
Harken back 3 years ago to a glorious, wintry night at Lambeau Field that launched this Lions team into perennial contenders… and ended Rodgers reign in Green Bay.
While Rodgers may already be on his second team since leaving the Packers, Lions fans disdain for him certainly transcends whatever colors he’s wearing.
But maybe we should owe Rodgers some gratitude. Vanquishing a fearsome opponent helped make the Lions the team they are now...
“You wanted to know what gave me such drive.
It was you.
You put me in that brothel.
You cut me on the streets.
I am here now because of you.
You created me.
And for that, I bless you.”
-King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Highly recommend this movie, by the way.
Before I get to the final injury report, just a couple more interesting observations from what I saw in Los Angeles.
Miles Frazier - a future offensive tackle?
In pregame, Miles Frazier appeared to take a 1-on-1 rep at LT. You can see him here taking on Marcus Davenport who is set out wide.
With the future of the OT position in flux due to Taylor Decker mulling retirement, Frazier could be a dark-horse candidate.
Play-calling mechanics problems?
At the 14-minute mark of the 4th quarter, those of you watching on TV saw the Lions take a time out on a 3rd-and-7 right before the play clock ran out.
What you didn’t see on TV was that as the Lions were huddling for that play, Goff was listening in his helmet and doing the hand circle motion around the 20-second mark of the play clock - a signal to the play-caller to hurry up and get the play in.
With Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties midway through the season, it makes you wonder if a lag in getting the play in is one of the consequences. We also notably saw the Lions waste a time-out in the final minute of the Giants game when the play didn’t get called in on time.
Finding a new offensive coordinator may be a top priority as soon as the season ends.
Final injury report
Lions starters out
Out: Brian Branch, S
Out: Terrion Arnold, CB
Out: Sam LaPorta, TE
Out: Kerby Joseph, S
Likely out: Graham Glasgow, C
Possibly out: Christian Mahogany, LG
(NP - no practice, LP - limited practice, FP - full practice)
DETROIT LIONS (line -7)
OUT
Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Joseph hasn’t played since October 12 due to his left knee. Last week, Dan Campbell stated: “Kerby had a setback.” The lack of practice this entire week plus the previous inability to string 2 practices together in a row adds up to a decidedly ominous outlook for the rest of the season.
If the team were out of the playoff picture, he might already be on IR and shut down for the season. The Lions and Joseph may be just holding out hope he can play some impactful snaps in the playoffs.
Giovanni Manu, OT (knee)
Projection: Target return Week 18 vs Bears.
Manu returned to practice this week after being injured in mid-October. It’s unlikely he’ll see any offensive snaps this season unless there is an injury ahead of him, but the practice time will aide his development as well as help the Lions gauge his potential role for next season.
QUESTIONABLE
Taylor Decker, LT (right shoulder/rest) starter
Projection: In
Decker didn’t practice at all last week and still played. He got a single LP this week. The “rest” designation implies he will be in and will start his 9th straight game.
Graham Glasgow, C (knee) starter
Projection: Likely out
Glasgow popped up on the report on Thursday which is a concern. It’s unknown if this is a new injury or an aggravation of a previous one. I did see him limp off after the extra point at the end of the 2nd quarter in LA. He also had a left knee injury a month ago in Week 11 vs the Eagles.
He missed Week 13 due to a knee.
The 2 NP to finish the week has him leaning out for this weekend. There is even the possibility his injury could keep him out longer. But being listed as “questionable” is a good sign that the injury is not too serious.
Reading into Dan Campbell’s comments on Friday, it sounds like Trystan Colon should be ready to play center if Glasgow is out.
Trystan Colon, OG/C (wrist)
Projection: In
After playing 80% of snaps, the wrist listing was a surprise. But the 3 LP this week is very reassuring.
A reader brought up a good point that if the Lions view Colon as the most viable backup center, that might push him to be active instead of another guard. Thus, Colon may be active regardless of Glasgow’s status.
Amik Robertson, CB (left hand) starter
Projection: In
The 3 LP is an excellent sign for his availability. Expect him to play with some kind of splint or club.
Christian Mahogany, LG (left fibula fracture) starter
Projection: Lean in
Mahogany fractured his leg on November 2. The Steelers game will be 7 weeks post. He had 2 FP to start the week but downgraded to an LP on Friday which casts some doubt on his availability.
On Friday, Dan Campbell stated regarding his availability: “He’s a little sore today. How he feels in today’s practice, that’s what a lot of it’s going to come down to.”
If he doesn’t play this Sunday, he very likely will play on Christmas.
IN
Thomas Harper, S (concussion)
Harper will play on Day 17 post-concussion. This is in the range of when most Lions have returned from concussion over the past 2 seasons.
Kayode Awosika, OG (foot)
Awosika is presumed to have hurt his foot 2 weeks ago in practice and missed the last 2 games. If Mahogany isn’t ready, Awosika likely starts at LG.
Sione Vaki, RB (thumb)
The thumb has been on the report for multiple weeks but Vaki has played through.
For the full Lions up-to-date IR/PUP/NFI summary click here. You can also always find this link at the top of my home page.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
OUT
TJ Watt, OLB
Watt, who has 7 sacks on the year, suffered a pneumothorax last week after a dry needling treatment. A surgical procedure was performed to address the issue. He has a chance to return later in the season, but will be an impactful loss on Sunday.
Isaac Seumalo, OG
The loss of this starting guard could help the Lions defensive line.
James Pierre, CB
Pierre had been starting for a few weeks before missing the last game. He has 1 INT on the season.
DOUTBFUL
Nick Herbig, LB
Doubtful basically means out. Herbig has 6.5 sacks on the season and his loss will hurt the Steelers pass rush.