Lions vs Steelers Week 16: Initial injury report
Offensive line getting healthy for the stretch run
I’m back from Los Angeles which had the best weather in the country based on what I saw from footage of other games. I first spent a couple days in Palm Springs which was beautiful and warm. In LA, it was comfortably in the 60’s and 70’s all week with a 0% chance of rain… but a 100% chance of smog.
While the air quality wasn’t good, it was still a refreshing trip. The only thing missing was a beatdown of the Rams…
Maybe there will be another chance in the playoffs though. The odds of that happening are improving this week with the offensive line getting healthier.
Initial injury report
Lions starters out
Out: Brian Branch, S
Out: Terrion Arnold, CB
Out: Sam LaPorta, TE
Very likely out: Kerby Joseph, S
Likely in: Christian Mahogany, LG
(NP - no practice, LP - limited practice, FP - full practice)
DETROIT LIONS (walkthrough)
No practice
Kerby Joseph, S (left knee) starter
Projection: Out
Joseph hasn’t played since October 12 due to his left knee. Last week, Dan Campbell stated: “Kerby had a setback.”
The early week NP means he’s almost certainly out for Sunday and trending sharply out for the season.
Taylor Decker, OT (right shoulder) starter
Projection: In
The lack of practice is no surprise. He didn’t practice at all last week and still played. Expect him to start his 9th straight game.
Limited practice
Giovanni Manu, OT (knee)
Projection: Out. Target return Week 18 vs Bears.
Good news for Manu as he returned to practice today after being hurt in early October. (Technically, his window may not actually open until tomorrow due to the walkthrough, but this wouldn’t affect anything.) While we don’t have a diagnosis, it’s good to see him back this season.
On Wednesday, Dan Campbell stated: “If we’re able to use him this year, that’s a bonus. It’s setting him up better for next year.”
With Decker talking retirement, it would help significantly if Manu can develop into a capable OT.
Amik Robertson, CB (left hand) starter
Projection: In
The LP is an excellent sign for his availability. On video, he took direct trauma to his left thumb or 2nd metacarpal area. The mechanism would not be consistent with a thumb UCL (skier’s or gamekeeper’s thumb) or a boxer’s fracture. A different kind of fracture is possible, but hopefully it’s just a painful contusion.
Christian Mahogany, OG (left fibula fracture) starter
Projection: In
Mahogany fractured his leg on November 2. The Steelers game will be 7 weeks post. The early-week FP (even if only a walkthrough) has him trending in.
On Wednesday, Dan Campbell joked: “Full-go walkthrough today. We’re hopeful. We’ll know more really by Friday.”
Trystan Colon, OG/C (wrist)
Projection: Available but inactive
After playing 80% of snaps, the wrist listing is a surprise. The LP implies it’s nothing too serious. With Mahogany and/or Awosika likely back, Colon may be a semi-healthy inactive.
Full practice
Thomas Harper, S (concussion)
Projection: In
Harper missed last game with the concussion. The FP means he has passed through the concussion protocol and will be available.
Kayode Awosika, OG (foot)
Projection: In
Awosika is presumed to have hurt his foot 2 weeks ago in practice and missed the last 2 games. The FP means he will be available. If Mahogany isn’t ready, Awosika likely starts at LG.
Sione Vaki, RB (thumb)
Projection: In
The thumb has been on the report for multiple weeks but Vaki has played through.
NOTABLES UNLISTED
Aidan Hutchinson had a slightly lower snap count (79%) last game after pulling himself out multiple times. It appeared he may have had some back soreness. Good to see he’s not on the report.
Graham Glasgow limped off late in the 1st half last game, but looks to be fine.
Kalif Raymond is unlisted after recovering from his suspected left high ankle sprain.
Shane Zylstra (knee) played for the first time last week since Week 2.
For the full Lions IR/PUP/NFI summary, click here for the up-to-date summary which you can also always find at the top of my home page.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The most intriguing injury is to TJ Watt who suffered a pneumothorax last week after a dry needling treatment. A surgical procedure was performed to address the issue. While often a small pneumothorax can have a quick return, the fact that he needed a procedure means he’s likely out.
With an active pneumothorax, air travel is contraindicated. That wouldn’t be a factor for this game as Pittsburgh is a short road trip to Detroit.