Talk about a gut punch. The Detroit Lions are heading into Week 3 against the New York Jets with their safety room absolutely decimated after Avonte Maddox went down in Week 2, requiring surgery and knocking him out for the entire season. This is a massive blow for a team that’s currently sitting at 1-1, trying to find their rhythm early in the 2026 campaign.
The Secondary Is Officially In Crisis Mode
Maddox’s season-ending injury just poured salt on a wound that was already festering. On top of that, safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both still on the PUP list, and neither is healthy enough to even begin their return-to-play practice window yet, even with the new NFL rule allowing it after two weeks. Coach Dan Campbell admitted Branch might have a chance to return sooner than Joseph, but it definitely won’t be this week. And Joseph? Man, every update just gets bleaker. Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket that Joseph has been working to strengthen his knee for roughly a year now, and he’s still not ready, with no clear timeline. “It’s going to come as it comes, and he’s not ready,” Campbell explained, clearly frustrated. “We’re trying to get him there as fast as we can, and we’re trying to be as smart about it as we can.” With Maddox out for the season, Branch out for at least this week, and Joseph’s return a complete mystery, the Lions’ secondary is in a tough, tough spot.
Other Injury Updates Around The Den
The safeties aren’t the only ones hurting. Guard Ben Bartch has a new foot injury, keeping him off practice Monday. We didn’t see him get hurt against the Bills, but apparently, it showed up after the fact. We’ll be watching the Thursday injury report closely for him. Safety Thomas Harper is also nursing a new ankle injury. On the brighter side, defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s absence for personal reasons was expected and Campbell said it’s a non-issue. Coming off a Thursday night game, the team did get some extra rest and film room time, but now with Wednesday here, it’s all about prepping for the Jets.
The Lions are 1-1, and they desperately need to protect their turf at home this Sunday against the Jets. With these crushing hits to their safety depth, it’s going to be an uphill battle, but you know this team isn’t going to back down. Let’s see how they adjust and what they bring to the field.
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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