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5 clusters · 8 sources · 58 days · First seen · Last updated

Kerby Joseph knee injury and recovery

Overview

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has been managing a knee injury that limited his availability during the 2025 season. Following his placement on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, external speculation arose regarding the severity of the injury. Joseph, who missed the final 11 games of the previous season due to knee problems, has been rehabbing alongside teammate Brian Branch, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. As the 2026 season approaches, both Joseph and Branch remain on the Reserve/PUP list, guaranteeing they will miss at least the first four games. While safeties coach Jim O’Neill previously reported that both players were “crushing rehab,” the team faces mounting defensive challenges.

As of late September 2026, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that neither Joseph nor Branch would participate in practice during the week, stating, “I don’t see it for either one” regarding an immediate return. The secondary's depth is further strained by cornerback Avonte Maddox, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury.

Heading into their Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets, the Lions' defensive backfield has faced significant attrition. The team placed safety Thomas Harper on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, causing him to miss at least four games. To address the depth shortage, the Lions have elevated defensive back Jalen Mills and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga from the practice squad to the active/inactive list. Other available players in the secondary include Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and rookie Bishop Fitzgerald.

Entities

Detroit Lions · Kerby Joseph · Dan Campbell · Brian Branch · Brad Holmes

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Detroit Lions place safety Thomas Harper on injured reserve

    The Detroit Lions have placed safety Thomas Harper on injured reserve, further depleting a secondary already missing several starters ahead of their Week 3 game against the Jets.

  2. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Detroit Lions defense faces scrutiny amid injury crisis

    Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is defending his coaching staff and managing a depleted secondary as safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain sidelined by injury.

  3. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Detroit Lions safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch provide injury updates

    Detroit Lions safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch have returned to rehabilitation efforts but will miss at least the first four games of the season while on the PUP list.

  4. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph progressing in rehab despite personal issue

    Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reports that safety Kerby Joseph is making progress in knee rehab but is also managing a personal issue, likely delaying his return until later in the season.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Kerby Joseph's Knee Injury Fuels Retirement Rumors

    Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on the PUP list after a knee injury; doctor Jimmy Liao, without examining him, warned the damage could lead to retirement.

Sources

detroitsportsnation.com · heavy.com · nbcsports.com · newsday.com · prideofdetroit.com · profootballrumors.com · si.com · time.news

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history