The Detroit Lions are flying across the pond to Germany without three crucial players, as the team officially ruled out safety Kerby Joseph, center Cade Mays, and cornerback D.J. Reed for Sunday’s Week 10 clash against the New England Patriots. These guys aren’t even making the trip to Munich, meaning their status is locked in even before the rest of the injury report drops later in the week.
Three Key Starters Banned From the Germany Flight
This is a real gut punch for a Lions squad sitting pretty at 6-2 and absolutely red-hot on a four-game winning streak. Losing three important contributors like this is never ideal, especially when you’re taking your show on the road internationally. Joseph’s been battling a knee injury, Mays is still recovering from an ankle issue, and Reed remains sidelined with a hip problem. It wasn’t a huge shock for Mays and Reed, honestly. Coach Dan Campbell had already hinted they were unlikely to play, so this official designation just confirms Detroit’s going to have to dig deep into their roster for some relief at center and cornerback. Joseph, though, was actually a full participant in Thursday’s practice, so his “OUT” status after that is a bit of a head-scratcher. Mays and Reed didn’t practice at all on Wednesday or Thursday, for the record. This really tests the depth of a team that’s been playing so well.
Goff Cleared For Takeoff, But St. Brown Still Limited
But hey, it’s not all bad news from the injury report coming out of Thursday’s practice. There’s a big sigh of relief for quarterback Jared Goff, who was upgraded from a limited participant on Wednesday to a full participant on Thursday despite a chest issue. That’s huge for the offense. Defensive back Brian Branch also saw an upgrade, moving from limited to full participation with his hip injury. And DJ Wonnum, the edge rusher who missed the win against Miami with a concussion, was a full go for the second straight day. Those are some key guys getting healthier, which is absolutely vital. Unfortunately, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is still limited with a rib injury, and running back Sione Vaki missed practice again due to an ankle problem. Jacob Saylors, the other running back on the report, was a full participant despite neck/hamstring issues.
So, while the Lions are definitely missing some firepower for their Germany trip, knowing Goff and Branch are ready to roll has to be a boost for morale. Detroit, at 6-2, will face off against the New England Patriots, who are 5-4. Kickoff is set for Sunday, November 15, at 9:30 a.m. ET in Munich, and you can catch all the action on FOX. Can the Lions keep that winning streak alive with a few key players out? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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