Lions place Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on injured reserve

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.

• 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