ALLEN PARK – Over the past three years, Emmanuel Moseley has faced more lows than highs regarding his health and availability.

In 2022 with the 49ers and in 2023 with the Lions, the veteran cornerback suffered season-ending ACL injuries in his left and right knees, respectively. During this year’s training camp, Moseley endured another setback: a torn pectoral muscle that kept him sidelined until Week 12 against the Colts.

Since his return, he has faced unexplained setbacks that have kept him out of the Lions’ lineup for the past three weeks.

With his health status uncertain, Lions fans have questioned whether Moseley will rejoin the team this season as the schedule winds down, especially with recent injuries in the secondary. While it’s unclear if he’ll suit up Sunday against the Bears in Chicago, Moseley has expressed optimism about returning to the field soon.

“I feel pretty good. I’d definitely say I trained hard to get back, and my body is cooperating with me the way that I want it to,” Moseley told MLive. “I feel like every day I’m getting better, and every day I’m getting more confident in being who I know I can be.”

The setbacks have been challenging for the seventh-year player. Despite a strong support system of family and friends, Moseley acknowledged the dark days that come with not being able to play football.

A bright spot for Moseley has been the Lions organization and how they have handled his injuries and rehabilitation. After he tore the ACL in his right knee last season, the Lions still re-signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason and supported him through his training camp injury. Moseley knows many teams wouldn’t have been so patient.

“It means a lot, to be honest, man. Because like you say, most people, they would’ve got rid of me, and it means a lot,” Moseley said. “It means that they believe in me; they see something in me. I’m just waiting for my moment to show them: ‘Thank you for believing in me, thank you for giving me another opportunity, thank you for trusting in me.’ I want to get on the field and show ‘em.”

Moseley returned to the lineup in Week 5, playing 15 snaps on special teams in a 24-6 victory over the Colts. However, he’s been a game-day scratch since, with little explanation. According to Moseley, he felt ready to play against both the Packers and Bills.

“It was something that set me back during the Chicago game. But after that, I was pretty much good to go,” Moseley said. “I don’t know if it was a numbers thing or whatever, but like you said, I’m just waiting for my moment, trusting that I’m in the right spot, trusting my moment when it comes, and then going out there and doing what I got to do.”

That moment might be coming soon.

The Lions’ secondary is decimated with injuries from last Sunday’s game against the Bills. Starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is out indefinitely with a fractured jaw, and his return this season is unlikely. Reserve cornerback Khalil Dorsey suffered a season-ending ankle injury as well.

With the Lions thin at cornerback, Moseley could see action in the next three games against the Bears, 49ers and Vikings — a potentially pivotal return if he stays healthy and performs effectively.

“This is the best week he’s had since he’s come back from the injury,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Friday. “I just think he looks so much more comfortable, he’s moving around well, and it’s been really two great days for him.”

Despite the team’s injuries, the Lions have embraced a “next man up” mentality. Moseley could have the chance to step up and prove his worth. If called upon, he said he’s ready to show the fanbase what he can contribute.

“(Fans) are going to see a guy that loves football. A guy that is happy in the place where he is, a guy that’s going to give 100% effort, and a guy that’s going to support my teammates in what they’re doing,” Moseley said. “When I’m out there, I’m going to do my best so we can get the W.”