The Detroit Lions' ailing defense might be getting a huge reinforcement pretty soon. Just after getting Brian Branch back on the field, it looks like they will get their other star safety right beside him in no time.
According to Lions insider Nolan Bianchi, the team opened Kerby Joseph's 21-day practice window on Wednesday. While it's unlikely that he'll suit up in Week 8 vs. the Minnesota Vikings, this is a massive step in the right direction.
Joseph has missed the whole season with a knee injury that also cut his 2025 season short. There was a point when it seemed that he might not even play this season or maybe ever again, so this is a great turn of events.
The Detroit Lions need Kerby Joseph in the worst way
Joseph had already teased a return with a viral clip of him working out and running around without limitations. Branch had also shared an encouraging prediction about his return, though there was no official information before today.
He's one of the best defensive centerfielders in football. He's a ballhawk with elite closeout speed, and his ability to cover ground will give Kelvin Sheppard's ailing secondary a much-needed hand once he's healthy enough to suit up.
Moreover, Joseph's return can also solve another problem for the Lions' defense. Rookie cornerback Keith Abney II has looked solid at safety, but with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. banged up, Rock Ya-Sin struggling, and Khalil Dorsey being a special teams guy, Joseph's return might make the rookie slide right back into his preferred spot.
Whatever the case, the Lions have options now. They had to endure a brutal start to the campaign and posted some of the worst defensive numbers in recent NFL history, though they've turned the corner in the past couple of games.
There's no denying the Lions have one of the best, most stacked offenses in the game, but that can only do so much when the defense can't get stops. They're trending in the right direction now, and Joseph's debut will only make life easier for everyone on that side of the field.
That said, the Lions will most definitely err on the side of caution with him after such a lengthy and complicated recovery. So, as much as his return finally looks imminent, they'll be wise to take all necessary precautions and not take any unnecessary risks until he's 100 percent ready to roll.
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