MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast opened the mailbag for this week’s episode, and there were plenty of questions about the backfield.

The Detroit Lions returned to the practice field on Thursday afternoon, ahead of the team's Week 16 home contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those not spotted at the portion of practice open to the media included center Graham Glasgow and safety Kerby Joseph.

As the Steelers continue their march towards the playoffs against the Lions in Week 16, TJ Watt seems unlikely to return from injury.

Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow and safety Kerby Joseph did not participate in practice Thursday, according to the team's official report.

Here is Thursday’s Week 16 injury report for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Detroit Lions ahead of their upcoming matchup.

Despite recent struggles, the Lions fully support Bates. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp indicated that the 26-year-old has made the most practice kicks of any player he has ever been around. With so much charting the past couple of seasons, Fipp is quite confident Bates consistency will eventually showcase itself.

Midweek additions to the injury report are often a bad development and the Lions had a notable one on Thursday.

Penn State reportedly is targeting former Nittany Lions defensive back D’Anton Lynn as its next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports Thursday.

How NFC teams can clinch playoff spots this week, with nearly every path running through the Lions and a pivotal Detroit vs. Pittsburgh showdown.

On the one hand, Montgomery's diminished role makes some sense. Gibbs is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and is one of the most dangerous players in the league when the ball is in his hands, which became obvious when Montgomery was sidelined with a knee injury toward the end of last season.