Lions' Kerby Joseph Impresses in First Practice
Lions safeties coach Jim O'Neil says Joseph looked strong in his first team practice since a serious knee injury.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Detroit Lions safeties coach Jim O'Neil said Kerby Joseph looked awesome in his first team practice since his knee injury. Joseph will not play against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Why it matters
Joseph's return is being handled carefully, with the Lions slowly ramping up his activity after a season-ending injured reserve stint. His availability affects the Lions' secondary as the team heads into a stretch of games.
Joseph has not played since Week 6 of last season and is working through a 21-day practice window that opened on a Wednesday in late October. The Lions must activate him to the 53-man roster by Nov. 18, and it remains unclear whether that deadline will be met.
The players
Kerby Joseph
Joseph is a Detroit Lions safety recovering from a serious knee injury that sidelined him after Week 6 of last season.
Jim O'Neil
O'Neil is the Detroit Lions safeties coach who praised Joseph's performance in his first team practice since the injury.
Dan Campbell
Campbell is the head coach of the Detroit Lions who ruled Joseph out for the game against the Miami Dolphins.
The details
Joseph progressed from film study to team walkthroughs and individual drills before taking part in team practice on Wednesday. Dan Campbell ruled him out against the Miami Dolphins, and the Lions have been deliberate about his return.
Timeline
December: Lions placed Joseph on injured reserve, ending his season last year.
Wednesday: Lions opened Joseph's 21-day practice window and he took part in first team practice.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Lions play the Miami Dolphins without Joseph.
Nov. 18: Deadline to activate Joseph to the 53-man roster.
Season Trajectory
Joseph's return follows the same careful pattern the Lions have used with Brian Branch, who has played two games since coming back from an Achilles injury. Each returning starter helps determine how deep the Lions' secondary can run as the season moves toward its late stages.
Joseph's status affects Lions fantasy rosters and the depth chart in the secondary through the rest of the season. Fans tracking the team should watch the Nov. 18 roster deadline, since it determines whether he returns this year.
The takeaway
Joseph's careful return shows how the Lions are managing a key defender's recovery with a clear deadline in view. Followers should watch the Nov. 18 roster decision to know whether he will play again this season.
What happens next
The Lions must activate Kerby Joseph to the 53-man roster by Nov. 18, or he will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. The Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.
Further reading
For more Lions coverage, see the Detroit Football section.
