The Detroit Lions just dropped some massive news on Wednesday, with All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph officially back on the practice field! This is a huge jolt for the defense, but it is not all good vibes as two critical offensive weapons, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, are sidelined with injuries. It is a mixed bag for the 4-2 Lions as they prep for their Week 8 clash against the undefeated 6-0 Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field.
Detroit’s Defense Just Got a Shot in the Arm
This is the news everyone has been waiting for: Kerby Joseph is making his return. The team started his injury evaluation clock on October 28, making him eligible to practice with the squad. Coach Dan Campbell was clear on the excitement, telling reporters, “We’re going to start Kerby’s clock today. So, he’ll be running around. Start working him in. He’s put in a lot of work; it’s been a long, hard road for Kerby. So, just being able to get back out there with the guys and run around a little bit.”
Joseph has passed every single test thrown his way. Campbell noted, “He’s passed every test to this point, and the next thing is to get him running around now. The strength in the knee is good, and the thigh, the quad, and all of that. So it’ll be great to get him back out there with all the guys.” While they will progress him slowly, this is a massive step. Joseph has 21 days for evaluation before the team has to decide on his active roster status, but they can bring him back anytime. Getting an All-Pro safety back in the mix could change everything for that defense.
Key Offensive Weapons Sidelined for Week 8 Battle
While Joseph’s return is huge, the Lions are looking at a tough situation on offense heading into Sunday. Both running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown missed practice due to injuries sustained in Week 7. Gibbs is dealing with a shoulder issue, and St. Brown has an ankle injury. That is two major playmakers potentially out for a critical game. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw also got dinged up in Week 7.
Coach Campbell addressed the status of some of these players, saying, “I think those guys (St. Brown and Rakestraw) will be at walkthrough, but I don’t see them out there during the practice portion.” In addition to the injured, the Lions also chose to rest several key players on Wednesday, including offensive tackle Penei Sewell and defensive tackle Alim McNeill. They are expected back in practice this week, so that is a relief. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was also out with an illness, and edge rusher Aidan Hutchins also did not practice.
Looking at the longer-term injury list, running back Isiah Pacheco (MCL/Back, IR) is expected out until December. Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (Undisclosed, NFI) and safety Thomas Harper (Ankle, IR) are both eligible to begin practicing at any time. Offensive lineman Ben Bartch (foot, IR) and linebacker Devin White (forearm, IR) are both eligible to begin practicing in Week 10.
This Week 8 showdown against the undefeated Vikings is absolutely massive for the 4-2 Lions. The return of Kerby Joseph is electrifying news for the defense, offering a glimpse of what could be, even if he is not ready for game action just yet. But the status of Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge question mark for an offense that will need to be firing on all cylinders. Can the remaining players step up at Ford Field? We will find out Sunday afternoon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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