The Lions are about to kick off their 2026 NFL season, and they are doing it without one of their absolute key defenders. Safety Kerby Joseph is officially headed to the reserve/physically unable to perform list, which means he’s sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the season. This is a massive hit to their defense, a situation that has been brewing for a while now.
From All-Pro Star to the Sideline
We’re talking about a player who, just two seasons ago in 2024, was an absolute beast. Kerby Joseph was an AP first-team All-Pro selection, leading the entire league with a phenomenal nine interceptions. That kind of playmaking from a safety can change games, swing momentum, and elevate an entire secondary. He was a cornerstone, a ball hawk defenders dream of having. But then, a degenerative knee condition started to creep in. This isn’t a new tweak or a minor sprain, this is a condition that kept him out for much of the 2025 season. Think about that drop-off: from leading the league in picks to missing significant time. When he was able to get on the field in 2025, he only played six games, recording 18 total tackles and 3 interceptions. While 3 picks in six games is still solid, it’s a far cry from the All-Pro dominance we saw.
What Missing the First Four Weeks Really Means
Being moved to the reserve/PUP list means Joseph is out, period. For at least the first four weeks of the regular season, the Lions have to strategize and play without him. Losing an AP first-team All-Pro talent, even one who’s been battling injuries, for a quarter of your season right out of the gate is a gut punch. Early season games are crucial, setting the tone and building momentum. Without a “key defender” like Joseph, the defense will need other players to step up big time. The team has known about this ongoing “degenerative knee condition” that kept him out for so long in 2025, so this isn’t a complete surprise, but it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. It forces adjustments, new schemes, and puts pressure on the rest of the secondary.
We’ll be watching closely to see how the Lions’ defense adapts without Joseph for these critical opening weeks. This is a tough start for a team looking to make some noise.
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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