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

Lions face tough decision on Kerby Joseph ahead of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 11:57 PM

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

Lions face tough decision on Kerby Joseph ahead of 2026 season

Summary

The Detroit Lions are considering their options regarding safety Kerby Joseph as he attempts to return from a knee injury that caused him to miss 11 games last season. Colton Pouncey from The Athletic highlights that Joseph's performance this season could dictate his future with the team, as his current contract poses significant financial implications if he is released. With the Lions currently lacking depth at safety, the team may need to seek additional help if Joseph is unable to return to form. The situation raises uncertainty as the Lions prepare for the 2026 season, which is critical for Joseph's career.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Joseph missed 11 games last season due to a chronic knee injury.
•The Lions are thin at safety, needing reliable starters.
•If released, the Lions would incur nearly $13M in dead cap space.
•Chuck Clark may serve as a stopgap starter if Joseph cannot play.
•The Lions might consider drafting a safety if Joseph struggles.

Latest Updates

11:57 PMYahoo Sports — Lions Already Facing Tough Kerby Joseph Decision

What they're saying

"
If Kerby Joseph does not return to his old form this season, the Detroit Lions are going to have a tough decision to make in the 2026 offseason. Colton Pouncey of The Athletic laid out why Joseph is the Lions player with the most on the line in 2026.“But after missing 11 games with a […] The post Lions Already Facing Tough Kerby Joseph Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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Detroit Lions NFL Football