The Detroit Lions’ safety room may be the most unsettled on the entire team heading into 2026 training camp. The major reason for that is the health concerns of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
The following is the report on the two recovering safety stars. For the complete safety preview, visit Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Safety.
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(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
Medical concern level: 10/10
Those of you who have followed me in the past year know about the serious concerns for Joseph’s knee. It’s strange to say that training camp for a 25-year-old All-Pro could be make-or-break, but that is looking to be the case.
OUTLOOK: Even if things go well in training camp, Joseph will likely have a load-managed role to try to make it through the season.
If things don’t go well in training camp after 10 months of recovery, then Joseph may be placed immediately on IR, ending his season (and likely career with the Lions).
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Medical concern level: 8/10
Branch had a late-season (December) Achilles rupture that will have carry-over effects into 2026. So far this offseason, there has been no indication of a chance of an early return. That means a 10-11 month recovery timeline is likely – putting his return in October-November.
Unlike Joseph, Branch’s return is certain. What’s not certain is what he will look like when he comes back. Achilles ruptures can have residual impacts, as seen with former Lions safety, Tracy Walker.
OUTLOOK: Branch likely starts training camp on PUP and stays there through at least the first four weeks of the regular season.
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The Branch-watch would start on the fifth week of the season vs the Cardinals on October 11. That game is right before the bye – the timing of which I like, as it gives him two weeks of recovery after his first action back.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions Training Camp Medical Preview: Safeties Joseph & Branch
