Kerby Joseph Planned 2026 Return to Lions Secondary
The Lions safety aims to play in 2026 as he recovers from a knee cartilage injury sustained during the 2025 season.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph intends to return to the field during the 2026 season following a knee cartilage injury that sidelined him since Week 7 of 2025. His recovery timeline was further complicated by a personal issue that kept him on the Physically Unable to Perform list since training camp.
Why it matters
The return of Joseph is critical for a Lions secondary currently grappling with multiple injuries and roster adjustments. The team has been forced to sign additional defensive depth to fill the void left by his absence.
Kerby Joseph remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list after playing in six games since signing an $86 million, four-year contract. The team currently holds these financial obligations against a backdrop of ongoing injury recovery.
The players
Kerby Joseph
He is a safety for the Detroit Lions who is currently rehabilitating from a significant knee injury.
Brian Branch
He is a defensive player for the Detroit Lions currently placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Avonte Maddox
He is a defensive back currently on the injured reserve list with a season-ending injury.
Bishop Fitzgerald
He is a defensive player recently signed by the Detroit Lions to bolster the team's secondary.
Jalen Mills
He is a veteran defensive player added to the Detroit Lions roster to provide depth.
The details
Detroit has shuffled its defensive secondary by placing Avonte Maddox on injured reserve and moving Brian Branch to the Physically Unable to Perform list. To address these gaps, the Lions added Bishop Fitzgerald and Jalen Mills to the active roster.
Timeline
Week 7 of the 2025 season: Kerby Joseph sustained a knee injury.
Pre-2025 season: Kerby Joseph signed an $86 million contract.
Training camp 2026: Kerby Joseph was placed on the PUP list.
September 2026: Lions added Bishop Fitzgerald and Jalen Mills.
2027: The team faces difficulty moving on from Joseph's contract.
Season Trajectory
The Lions are managing a decimated secondary, shifting the defensive depth chart significantly ahead of the season's final stretch. These roster adjustments dictate the team's ability to maintain a competitive pass defense while key starters work toward recovery.
The absence of Joseph and Branch forces the Lions to rely on depth signings like Bishop Fitzgerald and Jalen Mills to fill rotation spots. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the depth chart, as these secondary changes will influence the team's defensive passing metrics.
The takeaway
Joseph is focused on returning to active duty later in the 2026 season to anchor the secondary. The team's long-term financial flexibility will be tested by the structure of his contract in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on the latest team news, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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