Kerby Joseph

St. Brown was unable to practice this week after injuring his ankle last Thursday against the Packers. While he possesses some re-injury risk, he was moving very well during warmups and should be started against the Cowboys this evening. The Lions declared S Kerby Joseph, WR Kalif Raymond, OG Kayode Awosika, TE Hayden Rucci, DL Mekhi Wingo and DL Tyler Lacy inactive for Week 14 against the Cowboys. Lions RT Penei Sewell (shoulder), LT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) and C Graham Glasgow (knee) are active.

It's a downgrade after a limited Monday session. FOX's Jordan Schultz reports that Joseph "will likely seek treatment for the knee in the offseason, but he plans to be on the field in the coming weeks." That doesn't necessarily sound like a report about a player who will play on Thursday. The injury is "not considered career-altering" per multiple sources.

Given that he hasn't played since October 12, it's a big step. He apparently practiced with a bulky brace, so it's possible that the Lions decide it isn't worth the risk with just a few days ahead of Thursday's game. But they also need every win they can get and this will be an enormous game for wild card implications against the Cowboys.

Wright stepped up into a starting tight end role with Sam LaPorta sidelined, but picked up a neck injury in Week 12 and is now also out for Thanksgiving against the Packers. WR Kalif Raymond (ankle) also failed to practice this week and is ruled out. Additionally, C Graham Glasgow (knee), DE Josh Paschal (back), and S Kerby Joseph (knee) are also all ruled out with longer-term injuries.

Joseph hasn't played since October 12. We appreciate how good Joseph is and understand that the Lions would rather have him out there if at all possible, but there's literally an injured reserve for this sort of thing. Brian Branch (toe/ankle) got in a full session today to upgrade over a Monday limited, and Terrion Arnold (concussion) remained limited and may be trying to clear protocol tomorrow to make the active line.