Injury concerns loom over Lions-Chiefs showdown, but key safeties suit up.
October 12, 2025, 10:57 PM UTC
The stage is set for a thrilling Sunday Night Football clash between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, but the question on everyone's mind is: who will be healthy enough to take the field? Both teams have released their inactive lists, revealing a mix of expected absences and surprising inclusions. And this is the part most people miss: despite lingering injuries, Lions safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (ankle) are both active, a bold move that could significantly impact the game's outcome.
Joseph has been battling a persistent knee issue, yet he's managed to suit up through careful mid-week practice management. Branch, on the other hand, is dealing with a fresh ankle injury that required an MRI earlier in the week. The fact that reserve safety Loren Strickland is inactive strongly suggests the Lions are confident in their starting safeties' ability to endure the full game. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a calculated risk or a potential recipe for disaster? Pushing injured players, especially in such a high-stakes matchup, could exacerbate their conditions and lead to longer-term absences.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the team dynamics, we've got you covered. Our comprehensive coverage includes an updated depth chart (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-depth-chart/144998/detroit-lions-updated-depth-chart-week-6-chiefs) with position-by-position rankings and visual breakdowns. We've also dissected the Chiefs' offensive and defensive strategies (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/144465/lions-week-6-preview-kansas-city-chiefs-offensive-defensive-schemes), explored Erik's Honolulu Blueprint for victory (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/144994/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-preview-7-keys-victory), and analyzed Jeremy's On Paper preview (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/24481022/detroit-lions-vs-kansas-city-chiefs-preview-prediction-on-paper). For the statistically inclined, Al's breakdown of key matchups (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/145212/lions-vs-chiefs-week-6-preview-5-key-stats-for-the-arrowhead-ambush) and Brandon's bold prediction (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/145109/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-bold-prediction-jared-goff) offer additional insights. Don't forget to check out our POD staff pick-em predictions (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/nfl-picks/145202/detroit-lions-kansas-chiefs-predictions-expert-picks-nfl-week-6) for a glimpse into how the experts see this game unfolding.
With two players elevated for this game (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-news/145260/detroit-lions-roster-moves-chiefs-game), the Lions' game-day roster stands at 55 players, with 48 eligible to play. This necessitated declaring seven players inactive for today's contest, including some notable names due to injuries.
Lions Inactives:
- RB Sione Vaki (groin) — Ruled OUT Friday (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-injury-report/145096/lions-chiefs-injury-designations-4-ruled-out-6-game-time-decisions)
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) — Ruled OUT on Saturday (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-injury-report/145249/3-detroit-lions-players-downgraded-out-chiefs-game)
- LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) — Ruled OUT Friday (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-injury-report/145096/lions-chiefs-injury-designations-4-ruled-out-6-game-time-decisions)
- CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) — Ruled OUT Friday (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-injury-report/145096/lions-chiefs-injury-designations-4-ruled-out-6-game-time-decisions)
- DB Avonte Maddox (hamstring) — Ruled OUT on Saturday (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-injury-report/145249/3-detroit-lions-players-downgraded-out-chiefs-game)
- DL Mekhi Wingo
- S Loren Strickland
Chiefs Inactives:
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- TE Jared Wiley
- LT Josh Simmons
- EDGE Malik Herring
- CB Kristian Fulton
As the game approaches, the question remains: will the Lions' decision to play their injured safeties pay off, or will it backfire? And how will the Chiefs exploit these potential vulnerabilities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—do you think the Lions are taking a smart risk, or are they playing with fire? What's your take on this controversial lineup decision?
