The Detroit Lions have played the 2026 NFL season without safety Kerby Joseph, who began the year on the physically unable to perform list after suffering an injury in 2025. Detroit has opened his 21-day practice window, but Joseph will not play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany.
Joseph has been a full participant in practice, and a return for the Lions’ Week 11 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is possible. General manager Brad Holmes said Joseph has looked fluid and energetic since rejoining the team on the field.
“He’s got the same fluidity, bounce in his step, all that,” Holmes said. “I think now it’s just a matter of him getting into that football shape. It’s just been a while. So, I think he’s on track with the acclimation plan that’s set out for him. So, just keep moving along.”
Holmes also addressed the team’s approach after Detroit did not make more significant moves before the NFL trade deadline. He said the Lions remain a hungry, developing team and believes the offense is talented and explosive, while the defense is gaining confidence. He credited players for taking ownership and coaches for putting the team’s personnel in positions to succeed.
Holmes added that the Lions would continue looking for ways to improve rather than becoming satisfied with their progress.
## Jim O’Neil Says Joseph Has Looked Encouraging in Practice
Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil said Joseph looked better than expected when he took part in team drills for the first time last Thursday. O’Neil called the practice encouraging, while noting that Joseph would need to string together multiple days of work.
O’Neil said it had been about a year since Joseph had been on the field and roughly a year and three-quarters since he had played at a Pro Bowl level. Joseph had been dealing with the injury for six or seven weeks the previous season, O’Neil said, making it difficult to know what to expect.
“He’s worked his ass off,” O’Neil said. “He’s gone through a mental battle, he’s gone through a physical battle, and he’s in a great place right now and I’m excited for him.”
