The Detroit Lions are staring down a daunting challenge as they prepare to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, grappling with a dangerously depleted secondary. The team’s defense is already reeling from the absence of key cornerbacks D.J. Reed, who’s on injured reserve, and Terrion Arnold, sidelined with a shoulder issue. But here’s where it gets even more complicated — the troubles may run even deeper than the cornerbacks.
Head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Friday that both of the Lions’ starting safeties are expected to miss the upcoming game due to injuries, creating an even bigger hole in the secondary. Brian Branch has been nursing an ankle problem that limited his practice time throughout the week. According to Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press, Branch underwent an MRI recently to assess the situation. Campbell offered a cautiously optimistic update, suggesting that while the injury is concerning, it’s not expected to be long-term. In fact, there’s a reasonable chance Branch will dress for the game, though nothing is set in stone.
"It will come down to how he’s going to feel for this game. But I don’t feel like this is some long-term thing by any means," Campbell explained. "I feel like we’re going to get him to the game. I really do, but we’ll see. I can’t sit here and guarantee it, either."
The situation is murkier when it comes to Kerby Joseph, the team leader in interceptions. Joseph has missed all practice sessions this week due to a nagging knee injury that has lingered throughout the season. Campbell emphasized the need for caution with both safeties, stating, "Just trying to be smart with them right now, and see where they both go." Neither Branch nor Joseph are expected to practice on Friday, making it likely that the coaching staff will have to wait until game time to determine their availability.
Adding to the pile of concerns, veteran nickel corner Avonte Maddox — who was slated to start at that position and provide additional safety depth — has been sidelined with a hamstring injury this week. Maddox remains a game-time decision, with Campbell noting the uncertainty surrounding his ability to recover quickly enough to contribute for a full game.
"He’s another one—probably a game-time decision, if not before that," said Campbell. "It’s how fast can you recover relative to getting ready to go. Can he make it a full game?"
In response to this barrage of injuries, the Lions have been proactive in shoring up their depth by bringing multiple defensive backs onto their practice squad over the last couple of weeks. Just last week, they promoted safety Loren Strickland to the active roster and added corners Tre Flowers and Nick Whiteside to the practice squad. Continuing that effort, the team also signed nickel corner Arthur Maulet to the practice squad this week.
While these players don’t yet share the same chemistry or extensive practice reps as the starters, Campbell has deliberately integrated them into game preparations to ramp up their readiness against a high-powered Chiefs offense.
"We’ll be ready," Campbell assured. "We’ve got answers ready to go. We’ll have a contingency plan. So we’ll be prepared. If those (injured) guys are ready, that’s awesome. If not, that’s still awesome. We’ll play accordingly."
So here’s the big question: Can the Lions' patchwork secondary hold its own against one of the most dynamic offenses led by Patrick Mahomes? Or will this injury crisis expose vulnerabilities that the Chiefs will eagerly exploit? It’s a scenario ripe for debate. What do you think — can Detroit rise above their injury woes, or is the secondary in for a tough night? Share your thoughts below!
