Lions safety Kerby Joseph is still on the physically unable to perform list, battling the same knee problems that kept him sidelined for all but six games last season, and head coach Dan Campbell isn’t ready to give anyone a concrete answer on when he’ll be back. Even with fellow safety Brian Branch set to rejoin the lineup for the first time this season when they face the Packers on Sunday, the uncertainty around Joseph just hangs in the air.
Campbell’s Cryptic Update: One Day at a Time
On Tuesday, Campbell was asked directly if he expects Joseph to play this season, and his answer was a clear, “I do.” That’s good news, right? But then the details got real fuzzy, real fast. Campbell quickly followed up by saying the team will “take it one day at a time” regarding an actual return date. He added, “He’s doing well. I’ll leave it at that. He really is, he’s doing a good job. I’m not gonna give you a timetable, but I’ve been pleased with where he’s at.” Those six words, “I’m not gonna give you a timetable,” are what really stick with you. It tells you everything about the murky situation: there’s optimism, but no end in sight.
A Missing All-Pro Piece
Why does a “no timetable” update for Kerby Joseph matter so much? Because this isn’t just some guy. Joseph was a first-team All-Pro in 2024, playing every single game that year. The Lions’ defense back then was on another level, performing better across the board than they have since the start of last season. Joseph might not be the magic fix for all their problems, but he’s a crucial piece, a true difference-maker the team desperately needs back in the mix as they try to make a run for the postseason. They’re still waiting for him to get back on the field, and every passing week without him feels like a missed opportunity to get that defense back to its 2024 form.
With Branch returning this Sunday against the Packers, at least they get one impact player back. But the question of when Joseph joins him remains unanswered, and for now, it seems like Campbell is content to keep everyone guessing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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