Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has missed the entire season so far because of a left knee injury. He was also sidelined beginning shortly before the midway point of last season.
Joseph has been ruled out for Detroit’s Week 10 game against the New England Patriots in Munich, but his latest practice participation offers an encouraging sign. He was a full participant in the Lions’ final practice before the team departed for Germany—the first time he had reached that level since returning to practice.
The Lions opened a three-week practice window for Joseph in late October. Detroit must activate him by 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 for him to play this season; otherwise, he will be unable to return during the 2026 season.
## Lions Coaches Encouraged by Joseph’s Progress
Joseph recently took part in team drills for the first time since his return to practice. Safeties coach Jim O’Neil said the safety looked better than expected, while noting that the next step was building consistency across multiple practices.
O’Neil also recognized the physical and mental work Joseph has put into his recovery. Joseph had been dealing with the knee issue for several weeks last season, and the coach said the injury had kept him from playing at his usual Pro Bowl level. O’Neil expressed hope that Joseph could continue stacking practices, while acknowledging that his eventual return to game action remained uncertain.
