Detroit, Michigan, December 21, 2025
The Detroit Lions have placed All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph on the injured reserve list due to a persistent knee injury that has hindered his season. This decision follows his participation in just six games, where he recorded three interceptions. Joseph’s absence is a significant setback for the Lions’ defense as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To counterbalance his loss, the Lions have activated guard Christian Mahogany and elevated other players from the practice squad.
Detroit Lions Place All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph on Injured Reserve Due to Persistent Knee Injury
Detroit, Michigan – The Detroit Lions have placed All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph on the injured reserve list, effectively ending his season due to a persistent knee injury that has limited his participation to six games this year. This decision comes just one day before the Lions are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field.
Joseph, 25, has been grappling with a knee issue since training camp, which was aggravated by a bone bruise during a Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns. Despite efforts to manage the injury, including a brief absence in Week 6, the discomfort continued, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Over the course of six games this season, Joseph recorded three interceptions, contributing to his career total of 20 interceptions since entering the NFL in 2022. His absence is a significant blow to the Lions’ defense, as he was instrumental in their previous successes, including leading the league with nine interceptions last season and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. In response to Joseph’s absence, the Lions have activated guard Christian Mahogany from the injured reserve and elevated offensive linemen Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad, aiming to bolster their roster for the upcoming game against the Steelers.
The Lions’ defense will need to adjust to Joseph’s absence as they face the Steelers, who are also contending for a playoff spot. The game is scheduled to take place at Ford Field, with kickoff at 1:25 PM PST.
Key Features of the Detroit Lions’ Recent Roster Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Kerby Joseph’s Injury | Persistent knee injury leading to placement on injured reserve; limited to six games this season with three interceptions. |
| Activation of Christian Mahogany | Guard Christian Mahogany activated from injured reserve to strengthen the offensive line. |
| Elevations from Practice Squad | Offensive linemen Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci elevated to the active roster for the upcoming game. |
| Upcoming Game | Lions to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on December 21, 2025, at 1:25 PM PST. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Kerby Joseph placed on injured reserve?
Kerby Joseph was placed on injured reserve due to a persistent knee injury that limited his participation to six games this season. Despite efforts to manage the injury, including a brief absence in Week 6, the discomfort continued, leading to his placement on injured reserve.
What impact does Joseph’s absence have on the Lions’ defense?
Joseph’s absence is a significant blow to the Lions’ defense, as he was instrumental in their previous successes, including leading the league with nine interceptions last season and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. His leadership and playmaking abilities will be missed in the secondary.
Who has been activated to replace Joseph?
In response to Joseph’s absence, the Lions have activated guard Christian Mahogany from the injured reserve and elevated offensive linemen Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad. These moves aim to bolster the roster for the upcoming game against the Steelers.
When is the Lions’ next game?
The Lions are scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on December 21, 2025, at 1:25 PM PST. This game is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.
FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Why was Kerby Joseph placed on injured reserve?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Kerby Joseph was placed on injured reserve due to a persistent knee injury that limited his participation to six games this season. Despite efforts to manage the injury, including a brief absence in Week 6, the discomfort continued, leading to his placement on injured reserve."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What impact does Joseph's absence have on the Lions' defense?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Joseph's absence is a significant blow to the Lions' defense, as he was instrumental in their previous successes, including leading the league with nine interceptions last season and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. His leadership and playmaking abilities will be missed in the secondary."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Who has been activated to replace Joseph?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In response to Joseph's absence, the Lions have activated guard Christian Mahogany from the injured reserve and elevated offensive linemen Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad. These moves aim to bolster the roster for the upcoming game against the Steelers."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "When is the Lions' next game?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The Lions are scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on December 21, 2025, at 1:25 PM PST. This game is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning."
}
}
]
}
Now Happening on X
- @CBSDetroit (December 17, 2025, 5:00 PM) Two people charged in a fatal shooting on Sussex Street; Oakland County reports a new measles case. View on X
- @RoopRajFOX2 (December 17, 2025, 1:38 AM) Crime rates are down in Detroit, and the police chief aims to maintain this trend, discussed on The Pulse show. View on X
- @Local4News (December 17, 2025, 4:25 AM) Detroit fire officials investigating multiple house fires, including one that destroyed two vacant homes and damaged a family’s property on Dwyer Street. View on X
- @FOX2News (December 15, 2025, 11:15 PM) An early-morning fire on Detroit’s west side resulted in three deaths and two injuries in a home. View on X
- @wxyzdetroit (December 16, 2025, 11:25 PM) Multiple house fires in Detroit displaced families but caused no fatalities as residents escaped safely. View on X
- @CBSDetroit (December 16, 2025, 5:00 PM) Debate heats up over a proposed data center in Southfield; incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield names her deputy mayor. View on X
- @PoliceIncident (December 19, 2025, 10:48 AM) Federal agents exchanged gunfire with a suspect linked to drive-by shootings during a Detroit operation. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch Carted Off Field with Ankle Injury
Detroit Lions Adjust Game Plan Against Packers Without Kalif Raymond
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
