League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Kerby Joseph unlikely to return for Lions' season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 12:35 PM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Kerby Joseph unlikely to return for Lions' season opener

Summary

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell announced that All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph is not expected to be ready for Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints. Joseph has been dealing with a knee injury since last training camp and missed 11 games last season. He was recently placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Campbell indicated that while Joseph progressing, a return for the first game would be a bonus. Other players, such as safety Brian Branch and tight end Tyler Conklin, are also recovering from injuries, with no definitive timelines for their returns.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Kerby Joseph placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list
•Dan Campbell does not expect him back for Week 1
•Joseph has battled a knee injury since last year
•Brian Branch likely to miss practice for another month
•Tyler Conklin expected back in about two weeks

Latest Updates

1:33 PMYahoo Sports — Dan Campbell Delivers Concerning Kerby Joseph Injury Update
12:35 PMYahoo Sports — Kerby Joseph not expected to be ready for Lions' season opener

What they're saying

"
Amid a slew of injury updates to begin Detroit Lions training camp, coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't expect Kerby Joseph to be ready in Week 1.
— Yahoo Sports