The Detroit Lions (8-5) and Los Angeles Rams (10-3) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 15 matchup. The Lions\u2019 starting safeties have incurred a couple of brutal blows this week, both of which will likely jeopardize their seasons.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.<\/p>\n
S Kerby Joseph (knee)S Brian Branch (Achilles)<\/p>\n
Joseph has apparently suffered a setback with his knee<\/a>, according to coach Dan Campbell, and is now a candidate for IR. Landing in IR at this time in the year would effectively end a season of frustration, where he\u2019s continuously fought to get his knee rehabilitated.<\/p>\n \u201cKerby had a setback, so obviously, not as \u2013 don\u2019t feel as good about that,\u201d Campbell said on Friday<\/p>\n Branch being ruled out is a formality, as he has already had successful Achilles surgery and is expected to be placed on IR on Saturday.<\/p>\n RB Sione Vaki (thumb)WR Kalif Raymond (ankle)TE Shane Zylstra (knee, still on IR<\/a>) \u2014 Days remaining in injury evaluation clock<\/a>: 9LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)LG Kayode Awosika (foot)LG Christian Mahogany (fibula, still on IR<\/a>) \u2014 Days remaining in injury evaluation clock<\/a>: 18S Thomas Harper (concussion)<\/p>\n Vaki has been able to play through his thumb injury for a few weeks now and is expected to play this weekend, despite the questionable designation.<\/p>\n Raymond has been trending toward returning this week, and he should have a chance to be active on Sunday. If able to play, he should reassume his punt returner role and will contribute as a WR3 or WR4 option on offense.<\/p>\n Zylstra remains on injured reserve for the moment, but a questionable designation suggests there\u2019s a chance he is removed from IR\u2014likely this Saturday before the team travels to LA\u2014and re-added to the 53-man roster. He\u2019ll have a chance to step into a TE1 or TE2 upon his return to action.<\/p>\n Decker missed all three practices this week, which is mildly concerning, but this is something the veteran offensive lineman has done previously this year, so there\u2019s still a realistic chance he can suit up on Sunday. It\u2019s notable that \u201crest\u201d was added to his injury report on Friday. If he\u2019s not able to play, Dan Skipper would most likely step into the starting left tackle role, and his sixth OL role would be passed along to another reserve offensive lineman.<\/p>\n Mahogany has participated in three practices since his injury evaluation clock has started, and while it seems unlikely he\u2019ll be activated from IR this week, the Lions have left the door open. Mahogany has said he doesn\u2019t anticipate being in this recovery window for long, but it\u2019ll likely be at least another week before he gets another shot to return to the active roster.<\/p>\n