League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lions place Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on injured reserve

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 5:39 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Lions place Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on injured reserve

Summary

The Detroit Lions placed defensive backs Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on the physically unable to perform list as the team finalizes its 53-man roster. Both players will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. These absences further deplete a secondary that recently lost Terrion Arnold following his release by the team. Analysts anticipate an increased passing workload for quarterback Jared Goff as the Lions prepare for their season opener against the New Orleans Saints. The defensive personnel shortage has prompted internal discussions among fantasy analysts regarding the projected performance of opposing quarterbacks and running backs throughout the early weeks of the schedule.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will miss at least four games.
•The Lions released Terrion Arnold during the offseason following legal charges.
•Detroit begins the regular season against the New Orleans Saints.
•The team finished in last place within the NFC North last season.

Latest Updates

5:39 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Jared Goff Is This Season’s Matthew Stafford’ — Fantasy Football Community Reacts as Lions Get Bad News on Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch

What they're saying

"
It seems like things are falling apart for the Detroit Lions well before Week 1 kickoff. After a remarkable turnaround in recent years, they started on the downward slope last season.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Buffalo Bills Detroit Lions New York Jets Washington Commanders NFL Football