Detroit Lions place safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on reserve PUP

The Detroit Lions began the 2026 season with safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list. General manager Brad Holmes stated Wednesday, Sept. 2, that the organization remains confident both players will return to the field during the season, though no specific timeline is available. Joseph, who dealt with a knee injury during the 2025 campaign, and Branch, who sustained an Achilles injury last December, must remain sidelined for at least the first four games. Both players are eligible to resume practicing starting Sept. 18. In the interim, Detroit plans to start Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox at safety, with Thomas Harper providing secondary depth. The Lions are scheduled to play their season opener before traveling to face the Arizona Cardinals in their Week 5 contest on Oct. 11.

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