Detroit Lions See Rising Star Get Downgraded for Week 15

The (8-5) Detroit Lions play on the road against the (10-3) Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium for Week 15 on Sunday afternoon. Injuries continue to plague the Lions’ safety position, with two starters either out for the season or potentially missing the rest of the year, along with a key backup banged up. Brian Branch suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14, while Kerby Joseph, who has missed the previous seven games due to a knee issue, suffered a setback during practice and could be placed on injured reserve.

Also Read: “Tough Loss”: Detroit Lions Confirm the Worst for Pro Bowl DB

Detroit Lions’ backup safety got hurt in Week 14

Thomas Harper suffered a concussion in the first quarter last week and did not return for the remainder of the game. Since the head injury occurred on a Thursday, the underrated defensive back was given three extra days to clear the concussion protocol. Harper was limited in practice, prompting the Lions to officially rule him questionable. The final step for him to clear the protocol is receiving the thumbs-up from an Independent Neurological Consultant to play.

Detroit Lions see rising star get downgraded for Week 15

On X, the Lions announced they have downgraded Thomas Harper from questionable to out for the game against the Los Angeles Rams. The defense will likely start Avonte Maddox at safety alongside one of Daniel Thomas, Jalen Mills, Damontae Kazee, or Erick Hallett for the other starting spot. Kazee and Hallett are currently on the practice squad, so the front office will need to either promote them to the gameday roster by 3:00 p.m. CT. on Saturday.

GAME STATUS UPDATE: Lions G Christian Mahogany (fibula) was not activated from Reserve/Injured and has been downgraded to OUT for Sunday’s game vs the Rams.

Lions S Thomas Harper (concussion) has also been downgraded to OUT for Sunday’s game.

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 13, 2025

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