The Detroit Lions are traveling to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. Despite winning three straight games, they have been hammered with injuries. Terrion Arnold is dealing with a shoulder injury, and D.J. Reed landed on IR with a hamstring injury.
While it looks like Arnold will be able to suit up, it doesn't look like the same can be said for safety Kerby Joseph. The Lions posted their injury report, and Joseph was listed as NP (no practice) for the second straight day with a knee injury.
His status appears to be in doubt for Week 5, as the Lions could be down two starters in the secondary.
Kerby Joseph’s Status for Week 5 Up in the Air After Another Missed Practice
Joseph ended up missing some time in the win over Cleveland with that same knee problem before returning. Nonetheless, this knee is still giving him problems and has been for a while now. The Lions seemed to have given some time off last week, leading up to the game, but re-aggravating it in the matchup just pushed them back.
Thus far this season, Joseph has 10 total tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. According to PFF, he has a 65.6 overall grade, 67.6 run-defense grade, and a 61.6 coverage grade. Considering that the Lions will already be down their best corner in Reed, they don't want to be missing their All-Pro safety as well.
Regardless, that seems to be a real possibility, and the Lions could use this as the game to give Joseph off if he doesn't feel like he can give it a go. The Bengals have Jake Browning starting at quarterback after Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury.
Over the last two weeks, the Bengals haven't finished with more than 171 yards of offense. They haven't been able to generate any type of consistency, and the play at quarterback is a major reason why. Across most sportsbooks, the Lions are double-digit favorites in this game, indicating how they are expected to easily secure the win.
While anything can happen, the Lions don't need Joseph to win this game, and they could very well keep him on the sideline to give him some extra rest. Friday's practice will give a better answer on whether Joseph plays or not, and fans will keep a close eye on the injury report.