Sports News Report
League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Injuries

Lions place safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on PUP list

8 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 2:49 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Lions place safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on PUP list
Summary

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.

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Status Watch
  • •Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are out for at least four games.
  • •The pair can begin team practice sessions after Week 2.
  • •Detroit faces the Saints, Bills, Jets, and Panthers without both starters.
  • •Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox will start at safety in their absence.
  • •Giovanni Manu remains on the non-football injury list.
Latest Updates
  • 2:49 AMYahoo Sports — Lions news: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch injury update bring no clarity to timeline
  • 11:30 PMYahoo Sports — Lions GM Brad Holmes Shares Latest on Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch Availability
  • 4:54 PMESPN — Lions expect Branch, Joseph back after PUP stints
  • 3:04 PMYahoo Sports — Lions hopeful Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Isiah Pacheco will return from injuries to play this year
  • 1:47 AMYahoo Sports — Lions Announce Fates Of Injured Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch
  • 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
What they're saying
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The Detroit Lions will start the new season without two key starters, as safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were placed on the reserve/PUP list on Sunday. Joseph is dealing with a knee injury, while Branch is still recovering from an Achilles injury. Neither participated in training camp. Presumably, the Lions are taking extra caution with […] The post Lions news: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch injury update bring no clarity to timeline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hopeful standout safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch along with backup running back Isiah Pacheco will be healthy enough to play this season. Holmes said on Wednesday that he did not want to share a timetable for each player's potential return. Joseph played in just six games last season with a knee injury that has lingered and limited him to working out with the team's training staff this summer.

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Throughout training camp and the preseason, the Detroit Lions have been without safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles), who both remained on the PUP list.Now, with the regular season approaching, the Lions have provided a clearer outlook on the status of both players.According to the Lions, Joseph and Branch will begin the season […] The post Lions Announce Fates Of Injured Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch appeared first on HEAVY.

Related Teams & Leagues
Detroit LionsNew Orleans SaintsArizona CardinalsKansas City ChiefsDallas CowboysMinnesota VikingsBuffalo BillsNFLFootball

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