Lions place safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on PUP list

The Detroit Lions finalized their initial 53-man roster on August 31, 2026, placing safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on the physically unable to perform list. Both players remain sidelined with injuries, as Branch recovers from a torn Achilles and Joseph manages a knee issue. They are ineligible to play for the first four games of the regular season, meaning they cannot return until the October 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. A new league rule allows them to resume practicing with the team following Week 2. Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox are expected to handle the starting duties at safety during their absence. Additionally, the team placed center Cade Mays on injured reserve and offensive lineman Giovanni Manu on the non-football injury list.

• 1:06 AMYahoo Sports — Brian Branch joins Kerby Joseph on PUP list, Lions set 53-man roster
• 1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph begin season on PUP; here’s what that means