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Lions' first practice report ahead of Week 5 adds fuel to cornerback depth woes

Originally posted on Side Lion Report
By Candace Pedraza | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 7:00 AM ET

As we get closer to another Week 5 on the road for the Detroit Lions, we're beginning to get an idea of what the team's injury report might look like against the Cincinnati Bengals. This could be an ideal week for some rest for a few players dealing with knicks, as the Bengals are struggling in all phases at the moment with a poor defensive line and no Joe Burrow.

The Lions saw some concerning injuries in Week 4 to both Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, two starting cornerbacks in their secondary and key pieces to their defense. While Arnold reportedly seemed to be getting out of any serious injury after the home win over the Cleveland Browns, Reed's injury did not seem to have the same luck.

As a result, the Lions have made a few moves to add to their practice squad as Reed is on the mend - and, evidently, as a lot of other Lions players find themselves banged up ahead of another match against an Ohio team.

No D.J. Reed, Kerby Joseph, Taylor Decker, Sione Vaki, Khalil Dorsey or Zach Cunningham at Lions practice Wednesday.

CB Terrion Arnold and DT Alim McNeill practiced.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 1, 2025

Reed tops list of concerning initial Week 5 practice report

Joseph, Brian Branch's complementary safety in the secondary, is dealing with a knee injury that began pestering him against the Browns in Week 4. He was on the sideline after the injury, jogging up and down the Lions' side of the field, but clearly it's still an issue.

Dorsey is another blow to the Lions' depth at cornerback if he can't go, but per team reporter Tim Twentyman, head coach Dan Campbell is expecting him and Rock Ya-Sin to step up in Week 5.

"They are expected to step in, and we don't lose a bit. They know that. That's the expectation here and that is the standard. Whether it's Dors (Dorsey) or Rock (Ya-Sin), they'll be ready to go. They are going to step up and not miss a beat. That's the whole point."