Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell offered a positive outlook Tuesday on the recovery of safety Kerby Joseph, saying the veteran is progressing well after missing most of last season with a knee injury.
Joseph remains sidelined and has not joined his teammates in full team activities. Campbell told reporters the safety will return soon but declined to set a firm date for his comeback.
“Doing well,” Campbell said of Joseph’s current status while addressing the media.
Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News went a step further in a post on X. He noted that Campbell said Joseph is still away from the team but will be back soon.
The 25-year-old safety has been dealing with a degenerative chronic knee condition that caused swelling and cartilage damage. The problem developed gradually rather than from a single collision or hit during play.Joseph opted against traditional surgery. Instead, he has focused on strength training and a carefully managed rehabilitation program aimed at restoring full function over time.
Because of the nature of the cartilage issue, recovery has required patience. Neither Joseph nor Campbell has pinned down when the All-Pro safety might be ready for game action.
Joseph spent the entire 2025 regular season limited to just six games because of the knee. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list this summer and missed all of training camp, which began in late July.
He has continued working on the side with a personal trainer. Fans have seen glimpses of that individual work through updates Joseph has shared on social media.
An undisclosed personal matter has also kept Joseph away from the team at times this offseason, adding another layer to his absence beyond the physical rehab.
The Lions have already completed two preseason contests, facing the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders. Those games gave the coaching staff a chance to evaluate secondary options while Joseph remains unavailable.
Campbell is preparing initial defensive plans without Joseph in the mix for the start of the regular season. The Lions open the 2026 campaign on Sept. 13.
Both starting safeties from the beginning of last season currently sit on the PUP list. Joseph and Brian Branch formed a strong tandem a year ago, but their absences create early questions in the secondary.
Veteran additions Chuck Clark and Christian Izien are expected to see significant playing time at safety while the starters work their way back. Campbell also has other pieces available to fill gaps.
Avonte Maddox has taken first-team snaps and performed well in preseason action. Thomas Harper, who started nine games last season, remains another candidate though he is managing an ankle injury of his own.
Detroit’s front office addressed the potential depth concerns during the offseason by bringing in experienced options. That preparation should help the defense stay competitive even if Joseph is not ready for the early weeks of the schedule.
Joseph’s cautious approach reflects the long-term nature of cartilage damage. Rushing the process could risk further setbacks, so the team and player appear committed to a measured path forward.
Campbell’s comments Tuesday marked the latest public update on a situation that has lingered for nearly a year. While the exact timeline stays unclear, the coach’s tone suggested encouragement about the direction of the recovery.
The Lions will continue monitoring Joseph’s progress as they finalize roster decisions and prepare for the regular-season opener. For now, the focus remains on building secondary depth and waiting for the green light that Campbell indicated is coming.
