The Detroit Lions (8-7) and Minnesota Vikings (7-8) have announced their initial injury reports as they prepare to face off in Week 17. With this game being played on a Thursday (Christmas Day), the Lions’ practice schedule is altered this week. Their initial report comes out on Monday, while the injury declarations will be announced on Wednesday.
The Lions held a walkthrough on Monday, meaning each player’s practice participation level is estimated by the coaching staff, projecting each injured player’s involvement had there been a regular practice on that day.
Let’s 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.
Injured reserve updates
- TE Brock Wright (neck, IR) — Eligible to return in Week 18
- OT Giovanni Manu (knee, IR) — Evaluation clock started
- LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring, IR)
- S Kerby Joseph (31) — (knee, IR) — Eligible to return in Divisional Round
Joseph was placed on injured reserve last Saturday, and with him not being eligible to return until the Divisional Round of the playoffs, his season is effectively over. The Lions have insisted that he’s been close to returning all season, but they’ve had a difficult time “calming down” his knee, so hopefully an offseason of rest will afford him a proper chance to heal up for 2026.
No practice
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) — injured in Week 16
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- DB Avonte Maddox (back) — injured in Week 16
St. Brown played on 97% of offensive snaps in Week 16, but a knee injury kept him from an estimated practice on Monday. While this could be a precautionary measure, it’ll be worth monitoring his progress on a short week.
“We’ll know more a little bit later, but this is something that popped up when he came in today,” coach Dan Campbell said at his Monday press conference. “Hopeful that this is just some irritation from the game. That’s what I’m hoping, but I’ll know more later. I’ll know more tonight.”
Decker has routinely taken practices off ahead of games, and on a short week, it wouldn’t be surprising if he doesn’t practice much, if at all, leading up to this game.
Maddox injured his back against the Steelers, but he was able to finish the game, suggesting this could be a rest day for the veteran. However, because this soft-tissue injury likely popped up following the game, it’s worth monitoring.
Limited practice
- C Graham Glasgow (knee) — upgraded from no practice
- LG Christian Mahogany (fibula)
- OL Trystan Colon (wrist)
- OT Giovanni Manu (knee) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 14
- WR Tom Kennedy (abdomen) — injured in Week 16
- DT Alim McNeill (abdomen) — injured in Week 16
- EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) — injured in Week 16
- EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder) — Injured in Week 16
- CB Amik Robertson (hand)
Glasgow missed the final two practices last week, then was ruled inactive and missed the game against the Steelers. Having to practice just 24 hours later is a challenging task, so it’s not surprising that the Lions are taking it easy with him to start the week. If he isn’t ready to play again this week, look for the Lions to turn to Trystan Colon (who also missed last week’s game due to injury) or Kingsley Eguakun, who started against the Steelers.
Mahogany was removed from injured reserve ahead of the Lions Week 16 game, and played a full complement of snaps, save four that were given to rookie Miles Frazier for developmental purposes. Mahogany was seen limping in the locker room post-game, so hopefully he’ll be able to rest up a bit and play through his discomfort. An estimated limited practice suggests he’ll have a chance to play this week.
Colon missed last week’s game with an injury, despite getting in some limited practices during the week. If he’s able to return to the active roster this week, he could challenge to start if Glasgow is once again unable to play.
Manu continues to work through his injury evaluation window, but the Lions are currently rostering 10 offensive linemen, so they’re not in a situation where they need to rush him back.
Kennedy, McNeill, and Muhammad all played a full complement of snaps in Week 16, yet each suffered a soft tissue injury, which likely would have limited their ability to practice on Monday. An estimated practice is a good sign that they’re in a good position to play this week, but their progress will be worth monitoring.
Davenport injured his shoulder against the Steelers and briefly needed to exit the game. Fortunately, he was cleared to return and was able to finish the game. He’s yet another monitoring situation.
Robertson was able to play in Week 16 with a club on his injured hand. However, he was limited to just 36% of defensive snaps, suggesting he will likely be limited moving forward until his hand heals up.
No longer on the injury report
- RB Sione Vaki (thumb)
- LG Kayode Awosika (foot)
- S Thomas Harper (concussion)
The players in this section have progressed far enough in their injury rehabilitation that they no longer need to be listed on the injury report.
Vaki practiced in full last week and entered the game without an injury designation. He looks like he’s as healthy as he’s been all season.
Awosika practiced in full last week and did not carry an injury designation into the game, suggesting he was deemed a healthy scratch. If Mahogany’s injury doesn’t get better, Awosika could be back in the mix very quickly.
Harper was able to clear the NFL’s concussion protocols last week and played a full complement of snaps against the Steelers. This injury looks like it’s behind him.
Vikings’ initial injury report
Note: Starters are bolded.
Did not practice
- QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand)
- RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
- TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
- C Ryan Kelly (concussion)
- RT Brian O’Neill (heel)
Limited practice
- RB Aaron Jones (ankle)
- NT Javon Hargrave (thigh)
- LB Eric Wilson (thumb)
Full practice
- RB Ty Chandler (knee — still on IR)
- TE Gavin Bartholomew (back — still on IR)
- LB Austin Keys (ankle)
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