Detroit's Week 5 injury report lists four players ruled out: Sione Vaki (groin), Zach Cunningham (hamstring), Alim McNeill (knee), Khalil Dorsey (concussion). Safety Kerby Joseph and left tackle Taylor Decker are listed as questionable after Friday’s update, with Joseph’s knee issue described as lingering from last game and Decker fighting through a shoulder problem. Campbell stressed Joseph’s progress and Decker’s toughness, but acknowledged the veteran could be limited.

These absences punch a hole in Detroit’s defense and offensive line, potentially testing run defense and protection opportunities against Cincinnati. The uncertainty around Joseph and Decker adds a layer of risk for Lions fans and fantasy managers, while the rest of the injuries could push other Lions to step up in roles behind the depth chart. Closest attention should stay on Joseph’s availability and Decker’s status heading into Week 5.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor Joseph’s active status; if he plays, Lions’ defense remains steadier and smoother in coverage. If not, Cincinnati’s pass attack could exploit the holes, elevating Bengals receivers. Decker’s status will also influence Goff’s pocket pressure and the Lions’ ability to sustain the run and protect down the stretch.

Kerby Joseph's knee issue could sideline the Lions' top safety for a pivotal game against Cincinnati, with him missing back-to-back practices. Avonte Maddox filled in during Week 4, offering trusted depth if Joseph sits again. New practice notes show Khalil Dorsey back on the field after a concussion, while Decker, Vaki and Cunningham were absent from the open portion.

Detroit leans into man coverage, a design Campbell says accelerates the pass rush by keeping plays in front and forcing mistakes. Kelvin Sheppard's defense relies on sticky coverage and quick pressure, and Anzalone praised the secondary's depth as the unit braces for another tough AFC opponent.

With the Browns game earlier in the season showing Joseph's earlier involvement, this week tests the depth behind the veteran safety as the Lions balance risk and reward in a bid to constrain Cincinnati's aerial attack.

D.J. Reed is headed to injured reserve, sidelined four games by a hamstring issue after a Browns game-lifting collision. Detroit’s depth in the secondary will be tested against the Bengals, Chiefs, Buccaneers and Vikings, with a potential return at Washington looming. Coach Dan Campbell praised Reed’s toughness and teammate-first mindset, insisting this won’t end his season. The club now leans on Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson and Khalil Dorsey as it ration’s reps to cover the absence.

Deshea Townsend stressed the “us” mentality and the opportunity for the next-man-up trio to step in, while Campbell highlighted Reed’s playmaking spirit as a model for the room. For fantasy and DFS, expect increased targets on the Lions’ DBs in upcoming shootouts, and watch how the defense rotates through the four-game window as Reed monitors his return timeline.

The broader path that unfolds will test Detroit’s ability to survive a tough stretch. Reed’s injury is a setback, but not a verdict on the season; the Lions expect to weather the storm and keep their defensive identity intact as they chase divisional and conference success.

Detroit signs Tre Flowers to the practice squad, adding veteran depth as D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold miss time. Amik Robertson shifts outside; Lions may deploy Rock Ya-Sin or Khalil Dorsey at the other outside slot if Arnold cannot play.

With Maddox able to handle the slot in a pinch, Detroit reshapes its secondary ahead of a Week 5 clash with Cincinnati. Flowers’ experience and four career interceptions give the defense a-needed floor behind a young core that includes Carlton Davis III, Robertson, and Maddox, while the depth chart remains fluid as injuries linger.

Detroit adds veteran depth at corner, signing Tre Flowers to the practice squad as injuries mount to Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed. Flowers, a seven-season vet with stops in Seattle, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Chicago, could be ready quickly. Ty Summers also signs for linebacker depth. Campbell signals ongoing help, with Erick Hallett versatile in nickel-to-safety roles ahead of Week 6 against Kansas City.