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.

Detroit signed Andre Carter II to its 16-man practice squad, filling the Lions’ final spot as the 2025 roster pool tops out. Carter, a 6-6 edge from Army, went undrafted after military deferral rules, later landing with Minnesota and then Las Vegas. He flashed in camp and preseason, logging two sacks and multiple pressures, signaling potential depth on the defense’s pass rush. Fantasy players should note this is depth insurance for now, with real upside only if injuries mount.

The Lions’ 16-man group also highlights a concrete development focus, with Carter joining a mix of veterans and young bodies. While Carter isn’t an immediate fantasy asset, his path to the active roster could open if he translates training-camp buzz into season-long opportunity, especially in deeper dynasty leagues where raw pass-rush upside matters.