Joseph has been out since Week 6 with a knee injury that’s bothered him dating back to training camp. The Lions were cautious with him then, but it was enough to limit him when the season began. He didn’t look like he was operating with his typical speed and movement skills, and had to exit several games due to the injury.

As Campbell noted, the Lions do have reinforcements ready. Maddox stepped in for the injured Branch last week against the Dallas Cowboys and provided quality snaps, as did Thomas. Detroit can also elevate safeties Erick Hallett and Loren Strickland from the practice squad if needed.