For the Lions, Sunday isn’t about who’s available — it’s about who’s left, as injuries continue to reshape Detroit’s roster ahead of a critical matchup with the Rams.
The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams enter Sunday’s matchup dealing with vastly different injury realities, a contrast that could shape both the game plan and the final outcome. Detroit continues to navigate one of the most injury-riddled seasons in the NFL, while Los Angeles arrives comparatively healthy despite a few notable question marks.
The Lions’ injury report grew more concerning this week with the team placing safety Brian Branch on Reserve/Injured, a significant blow to a secondary already stretched thin. Branch has been one of Detroit’s most versatile defenders, contributing as both a run supporter and coverage piece, and his absence further depletes a unit short on experience.
Detroit did get one piece back, activating tight end Shane Zylstra from Reserve/Injured. However, Zylstra’s status remains uncertain after being listed as questionable for Sunday. The Lions also elevated tight end Giovanni Ricci and safety Erick Hallett from the practice squad to the active/inactive list, signaling the need for additional depth, particularly on defense.
Safety Kerby Joseph suffered a setback with his knee injury and has been ruled out. There is concern Joseph could be placed on injured reserve, a move that would end his season. If that happens, Detroit would be without both starting safeties, leaving coordinator Kelvin Sheppard with limited options against a Rams offense that thrives on attacking the middle of the field.
The Lions’ offensive line also took a hit when guard Christian Mahogany (fibula) was not activated from Reserve/Injured and was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game. Mahogany’s absence compounds existing line issues as Detroit tries to protect its quarterback against a Rams front that can generate pressure in waves.
Defensively, safety Thomas Harper (concussion) was also downgraded to out, while several other Lions remain questionable. Guard Kayode Awosika, left tackle Taylor Decker, wide receiver Kalif Raymond, running back Sione Vaki and Zylstra are all listed as questionable, making Detroit’s final inactive list difficult to predict.
The Lions are now tied for the most players on IR or PUP in the NFL with 16, a staggering number at this stage of the season. Despite the attrition, Detroit has remained competitive, leaning heavily on depth players and schematic flexibility to stay afloat.
The Rams, by comparison, have managed their injuries more effectively. Los Angeles has just six players on IR or PUP, the third-fewest in the league, giving them a significant availability advantage entering Sunday.
Still, the Rams are not without concerns. Safety Jaylen McCollough was added to the injury report with an illness and is listed as questionable. Outside linebacker Byron Young was limited in practices Wednesday and Thursday before not practicing Friday, also landing in the questionable category.
Los Angeles did receive a boost by activating wide receiver Tutu Atwell from Reserve/Injured, adding speed to an already dynamic receiving corps. The Rams also activated safety Tanner Ingle from the practice squad to bolster depth in the secondary.
Wide receiver Davante Adams, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday before being limited Friday, is expected to play. His presence would be a major challenge for a Lions secondary already missing key contributors. The Rams will still be without starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, who remains on IR.
As kickoff approaches, the injury disparity looms large. Detroit will need to overcome missing stars and shuffle lineups once again, while Los Angeles looks poised to capitalize on its relative health in a matchup that could hinge on depth as much as talent.