The Detroit Lions released their Thursday injury report for Week 16, adding starting center Graham Glasgow with a knee injury ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field. Safety Kerby Joseph also missed practice due to a knee issue, while safety Thomas Harper fully participated despite a concussion. Offensive coordinator John Morton expressed confidence in the Lions' ability to protect the ball against the Steelers' takeaway-prone defense.
The Detroit Lions are navigating several injuries as they prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Ford Field in Week 16. The team's Thursday injury report, released on their website, highlighted new concerns on the offensive line and in the secondary.
Starting center Graham Glasgow was added to the report with a knee injury and did not practice, joining starting safety Kerby Joseph, who also sat out with a knee issue. Glasgow's status is particularly noteworthy, as the Lions already have offensive line depth problems, including limited participation from cornerback Amik Robertson (hand), offensive lineman Trystan Colon (wrist), offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (knee), and offensive tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest). Other players sidelined include safety Thomas Harper (concussion, but full participant), offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (fibula), offensive guard Kayode Awosika (foot), and running back Sione Vaki (thumb).
The secondary remains vulnerable, with Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold on injured reserve. Even with Harper appearing ready, the Lions may call up former Steelers safety Damontae Kazee from their practice squad for depth. Robertson, who was limited after a hand injury suffered in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, could see Arthur Maulet step in if unavailable.
On the offensive side, coordinator John Morton voiced optimism about avoiding turnovers against a Steelers defense tied for third in the NFL with takeaways, despite its overall 28th ranking. "I think they’re number three or four [in takeaways],” Morton said Thursday via the team’s YouTube channel. “We’re number one at protecting the ball. So, I like our chances right there. We do a great job."
The Lions lead the league with just eight giveaways—five interceptions and three fumbles—bolstered by a top-five run game featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. However, the Steelers could be without key pass rushers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, both with three forced fumbles and an interception each. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning, with Detroit securing a spot and Pittsburgh defending against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
Friday's practice will be crucial to monitor Glasgow and Joseph's availability, as the Lions aim to maintain momentum against a Steelers unit that has improved recently but struggles against the run.
