Stop us if you've already heard this lately, but the Detroit Lions have a must-win game against the Los Angeles Rams coming up in Week 15.
Matthew Stafford versus Jared Goff. Amon-Ra St. Brown versus Puka Nacua. Aidan Hutchinson versus Jared Verse. We're looking at a star-powered matchup that's set to determine two teams' fates as we tumble towards the end of the season. If Detroit wins, they're shot at making the Wild Card shoots up tremendously. If Los Angeles wins, they clinch a postseason spot.
What helps all teams during this critical point of the year is health. And, it seems like the Lions might be getting back a huge piece of their secondary with the return of Kerby Joseph to practice. The safety has been dealing with a knee injury throughout the season, but is limited in practicing this week. Of note: he did not practice on Thursday.
His return could change everything about Detroit's defensive scheming.
Joseph's return could mean big things for Lions defense
The Lions' defense has been one of the worst at containing huge-gain plays in the air this season, coming in at 2nd worst in the NFL. Losing Brian Branch certainly doesn't help them try to contain the passing game in Week 15 and beyond, but prior to that, they had already lost Terrion Arnold for the year, too.
Bringing Joseph back brings in a turnover risk for Stafford and the Rams. Joseph had collected three interceptions in six games for the Lions before going down with a knee injury, which is a threat that Detroit hasn't been able to replicate without him on the field. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, there's a solid chance that Joseph suits up for this week.
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If he can go in Week 15, that takes some pressure off of Avonte Maddox, as well, as the backup defensive back has had to play a majority of snaps at safety with Branch and Joseph out.
With the re-signing of Arthur Maulet ahead of the Rams game, the Lions also have additional insurance at cornerback. That means Maddox is still likely to take most reps at safety, but he'd have major help if Joseph can play.
Los Angeles boasts the top red zone offense, the fourth-most points per game, the third-most passing yards per game, and the potential MVP in Stafford. Detroit can use all the help they can get in their secondary to keep this contest even.