Detroit Lions fans may have grown accustomed to disappointing injury news over the years, but that doesn't make them any less frustrating. The Lions have done a good job in the last few seasons, surviving waves of injuries and patching together units that work. This season, that may have to start earlier than expected as the Lions are once again left with a big hole on the defensive side of the ball.
In the third week of organized team activities, the Lions remain without both of their starting safeties. Even worse, they don't even have a timeline for their return.
The injury bug hit the Lions early this season
Brian Branch's absence was expected. He tore his Achilles tendon six months ago, and he isn't expected back until closer to the start of the regular season. He will almost certainly not be ready for Week 1.
It's hard to believe, but Branch, coming off one of the most devastating injuries in sports, may have a better outlook than Kerby Joseph.
Joseph hasn't taken the field during the OTAs so far and doesn't seem any closer to returning to practice than he was in the second half of last season. The worst part is that neither the team nor the star safety seems to really know the issue with Joseph's knee.
The All-Pro safety was sidelined with a knee injury starting Week 7 of last season. He missed the rest of the season and wasn't able to practice all year. Eight months after his last game, there is as little clarity as ever about Joseph's ailment.
Dan Campbell added to the uncertainty by saying that he doesn't know what to expect from Joseph this season. The 25-year-old is currently rehabbing, but it doesn't sound like he is anywhere near a return.
So, what will the Lions do at safety? Joseph is arguably the best defender on the team and is a crucial part of Kelvin Sheppard's unit. A premier ballhawk, Joseph is the leader of the secondary. Without him and Branch at least to start the season, the Lions will presumably start two newcomers, Christian Izien and Chuck Clark.
Izien has rarely played free safety in the NFL, despite having some experience at Rutgers. He fell out of favor in Tampa Bay last season and wasn't particularly effective in his limited snaps. Clark is a competent veteran, to be sure, but he is 31 and has a lengthy injury history.
There are some depth options like Thomas Harper and Dan Jackson. The Lions could slide Avonte Maddox or Roger McCreary to safety if needed, but the quality in the backfield has clearly taken a big hit after the Joseph news.
Last season, the Lions similarly dealt with key injuries to their secondary, but managed to play above expectations until the wheels completely came off. Now, they are facing the same situation, which will test them early. Whether more depth will be needed will depend on the next updates on Joseph and Branch.
Add us as a preferred source on Google