Lions vs. Chiefs Week 6: Safety Duo Active, Chiefs Hit by Key Injuries

When Kerby Joseph, safety for the Detroit Lions was confirmed active for Sunday Night Football, fans breathed a sigh of relief – the Lions have lost three defensive backs to the injury list.

But the flip side is equally stark: the Kansas City Chiefs entered the matchup with a clutch of offensive weapons on the sidelines, including veteran wideout JuJu Smith‑Schuster nursing a knee problem.

Both teams submitted their final rosters on Saturday, October 12, 2025, just 90 minutes before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Lions traveled from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, hoping to capitalize on a rare home‑field advantage for an AFC opponent.

Injury Reports Overview

The Lions posted an official inactives list at 11:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, naming the following players out for Week 6:

• Reed – hamstring, placed on Injured Reserve (IR)
• Arnold – ruled out on Friday’s report
• Avonte – reserve defensive back, inactive

Fortunately, both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph were cleared to play, preserving a core safety pair for Detroit’s secondary.

Across the league, the Chiefs’ Friday injury release listed:

• Charles Omenihu – defensive end, ankle injury
• JuJu Smith‑Schuster – wide receiver, knee injury
• Jawaan Taylor – tackle, knee injury
• Xavier Worthy – wide receiver, shoulder/ankle injury

The Chiefs did not label any of those players as "Out" at the time, leaving the final decision to Saturday’s roster cut‑down.

Lions' Defensive Backfield Situation

Detroit’s secondary has taken a hit. With Reed on IR, Arnold out, and Avonte unavailable, the Lions are down three players who typically rotate on nickel and dime packages. Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, has historically favored aggressive blitz schemes that stress the secondary’s depth.

"We’re still confident in the talent we have," Campbell told reporters after the roster release, though he declined to elaborate on specific adjustments. The loss of Reed – a versatile safety who excelled in run support – forces Campbell to rely more heavily on Joseph and Branch to cover both deep and intermediate zones.

Analyst Mike Greenberg of ESPN noted, "Detroit’s ability to disguise coverage could be compromised, especially against a Chiefs offense that likes to attack the middle of the field." If Kansas City can exploit those gaps, the Lions risk falling behind early.

Chiefs' Offensive Concerns

Kansas City’s passing attack is the league’s most prolific, but the injuries to Smith‑Schuster and Worthy thin the depth chart. Smith‑Schuster, a former Pro Bowler, provides a reliable third‑down target for Patrick Mahomes. Worthy, a rookie with big‑play upside, has already posted 312 receiving yards in the first five weeks.

Adding to the woes, tackle Jawaan Taylor’s knee injury threatens the interior line’s stability. Taylor has started every game this season, anchoring the blind‑side protection for Mahomes. Without him, the Chiefs might lean more on the left tackle and additional tight‑end help, potentially limiting the quarterback’s mobility.

Defensive end Charles Omenihu’s ankle issue is less likely to affect the pass rush directly, but it could reduce depth against the Lions’ run game. Corey Plummer of The Athletic speculated, "If the Chiefs short‑change the offensive line, Mahomes could feel the pressure sooner than we expect, and that changes the entire game plan."

Strategic Implications for Week 6

The matchup carries playoff‑sized weight for both clubs. Detroit sits third in the NFC North at 2‑3, while Kansas City is perched at 4‑1 in the AFC West. A win for the Lions would tighten the race in Detroit’s division and keep the Chiefs from pulling away in the West.

With the Lions’ secondary stretched thin, expect the Chiefs to flood the middle of the field with crossing routes and play‑action passes aimed at exploiting mismatches. Conversely, the Chiefs’ offense may run a higher proportion of quick slants and screens to mitigate the reduced protection from Taylor’s absence.

Special teams could become a hidden factor. The Lions have a solid return game, but Kansas City’s kicker Harrison Butker has been flawless this season, making every field‑goal attempt inside 45 yards.

Historical Context and Past Matchups

The two franchises have met 34 times since 1970, with Kansas City holding a 23‑11 edge. Their most recent clash in 2023 ended with a 31‑24 Chiefs victory, a game where the Lions’ secondary was also shorthanded. That pattern may repeat if Detroit cannot compensate for lost depth.

Both teams have a history of making adjustments mid‑season. In 2022, the Lions’ offensive line overhaul turned a 4‑12 season into a 7‑10 finish. Similarly, the Chiefs’ shift to a no‑hold‑on‑the‑line scheme after injuries to key linemen helped them secure a playoff berth.

Fans and analysts will be watching to see whether either club can rewrite that narrative this week.

What’s Next After Sunday Night Football

Regardless of the outcome, Week 7 rolls out on October 16, with the Lions traveling to face the Chicago Bears and the Chiefs hosting the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams will have a short window to heal lingering injuries and fine‑tune game plans.

If Detroit’s secondary can hold up, they’ll enter the Bears game with momentum. For Kansas City, confirming the health of Smith‑Schuster and Taylor will be crucial before the Chargers arrive, especially given the Chargers’ own defensive firepower.