The Lions have spent the season battling opponents on Sundays, but this week, their toughest fight might be against the injury report that grows longer by the day.
The Detroit Lions opened Week 15 with a lengthy injury report on Wednesday, offering early clarity — and fresh concerns — ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. With several starters sidelined or limited, Detroit’s depth could again be tested as postseason positioning tightens.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone headlined the list after missing Wednesday’s practice due to an illness. While midweek absences for non-injury reasons often resolve by game day, Anzalone’s status is worth monitoring given his role as the defensive signal-caller and one of the Lions’ top tacklers.
On the offensive line, veteran left tackle Taylor Decker did not practice because of a shoulder injury. Decker has played through various ailments this season, but a midweek DNP raises questions for a unit already dealing with attrition. Detroit has leaned on multiple depth linemen in recent weeks, and another shuffle could be necessary if Decker cannot progress.
Guard Kayode Awosika (foot) returned in limited fashion after missing time, while fellow rookie guard Christian Mahogany participated on a limited basis as he works back from a fibula injury. Mahogany was activated from injured reserve earlier this week, and team officials indicated he could return either this Sunday or the following week, depending on how he responds to increased workload.
In the secondary, three players were listed as limited: Thomas Harper (concussion), Kerby Joseph (knee) and Kalif Raymond (ankle). Joseph’s knee has been a lingering issue, and Wednesday marked another incremental step as he aims to return after multiple weeks sidelined. Harper remains in concussion protocol but was able to participate in a restricted capacity.
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond, a key contributor on offense and special teams, was also limited with an ankle injury.
The Lions also saw several offensive contributors limited: running back Sione Vaki (thumb) and tight end Shane Zylstra (knee). Zylstra continues to work his way back from a long-term injury, while Vaki’s thumb issue has not yet kept him out of games but remains something the team is managing.
Detroit’s injury news extended beyond the daily practice report. Terrion Arnold is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery Thursday. The procedure will address the same shoulder he injured earlier in the year.
Safety Brian Branch also underwent surgery on his torn Achilles. Head coach Dan Campbell said “it went well,” though Branch is expected to face a lengthy recovery timeline extending into 2026.
To bolster the defensive backfield, the Lions signed former Texans safety Jalen Mills, who brings veteran experience and positional versatility to a unit hit hard by injuries.
Offensive line coach Hank Fraley offered updates on former Lions center Frank Ragnow. Fraley said Ragnow trained throughout his absence and was “nicked up” during that process. As to Ragnow’s long-term future, Fraley said he doesn’t know the veteran’s 2026 plans but added that “if he wanted to be back, that door’s open,” noting Ragnow has “plenty left in him to play.”
Rams Injury Report
The Rams opened the week with far fewer concerns. Los Angeles listed wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) and cornerback Darius Williams (tibia) as full participants in Wednesday’s walkthrough estimation. Edge rusher Byron Young (knee) was limited, while star receiver Davante Adams did not participate due to a hamstring issue.