RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThere was plenty of speculation surrounding whether Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph would begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. On Sunday, the Lions officially answered that question by placing Joseph on the active/PUP list, meaning he is unable to practice at the start of training camp.
Joseph was not the only notable player placed on the list. Safety Brian Branch, who tore his Achilles in Week 15 last season, was also placed on the PUP list as expected. Newly signed tight end Tyler Conklin joined the two defensive standouts after dealing with an undisclosed injury.
At this point, the severity of each player’s injury remains unclear. Head coach Dan Campbell is scheduled to speak to the media Monday, and his press conference should provide more clarity on the status of all three players.
It is important to remember that landing on the active/PUP list at the start of training camp does not mean a player will miss the regular season. Players can be activated from the list at any point before the final 53-man roster is set. Only those who remain on the reserve/PUP list after roster cuts are required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
That distinction is significant for Joseph. The veteran safety already knows Detroit’s defensive system and likely does not need every training camp practice to be prepared for the season. From the Lions’ perspective, taking a cautious approach could be the smartest move, especially if it helps avoid a setback before Week 1.
Joseph’s 2025 season was cut short after he suffered an injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. While the exact nature of the injury was never fully disclosed, he eventually landed on injured reserve and finished the year having appeared in just six games.
During his recovery, fans speculated that Joseph was dealing with a degenerative knee condition. However, based on his activity on social media, there has been little evidence to support those rumors.
Before the Lions announced the PUP list, Joseph even seemed confident he would avoid it. He responded to a fan on X who asked whether he would begin camp on the list by writing, “How much yall wanna bet I’m not on the list.”
As it turned out, Joseph was wrong. His response suggested he expected to be ready, but the Lions ultimately decided to take a more conservative approach.
Joseph followed up with another post that gave fans reason for optimism.
“I can’t tell yall everything lol…
Update fr
My faith is unbreakable
I can walk now
I’m not in hella pain nomore so I’m not dropping to the floor like the Kansas game
If yall wanna know if I can play this season just ask God … send some prayers also.”
Judging by his recent posts, Joseph appears to be in good spirits and optimistic about his recovery. That alone should encourage Lions fans, even if there is still uncertainty surrounding his timeline.
The biggest question now is whether Joseph will remain on the PUP list through the end of training camp or be activated in time for Week 1. My expectation is that Detroit is simply being cautious and that Joseph will ultimately return in time to reclaim his starting role in the secondary. Until Campbell provides an update, though, that remains speculation.
For now, the Lions are prioritizing Joseph’s long-term health over early training camp reps. If that approach results in a healthy Joseph for the regular season, it will be well worth the wait. Every Lions fan is hoping to see him back on the field and available for all 17 games this season.
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