The Detroit Lions were dealt a frustrating blow on Sunday, after the team placed safety Kerby Joseph on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list right before the start of training camp.
Right now, players can come off the PUP list at any time. However, if they remain there after the preseason, they'll be forced to sit the first four games. Given the uncertainties with Joseph's knee condition, it's understandable why this news caused a firestorm in the Lions' fanbase.
It also shines a brighter light on fellow safety Brian Branch's recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, suffered December 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.
In an article posted a few weeks after Branch's injury, Sports Injury Central provides an easy-to-follow primer on the injury, and what to expect from a player going forward. SIC says it takes about 8-10 months for a player to return to football activity, which we're about at the start of.
A return to games, SIC says, takes 9-12 months. That would put a Branch return as early as Week 1, which cannot be ruled out at this time. Realistically, it'll probably be closer to the Week 6 Bye week in October, especially with a Week 7 tilt against the Green Bay Packers following it.
All eyes on Kerby Joseph's knee
An early-season return for Branch would be exciting, as the Lions' second absolutely needs it. Yet, in an almost ominous warning, SIC says the timeline for a player getting back to peak performance is "Often longer than one full season," adding that after clearance "players frequently require additional time to rebuild trust and explosiveness."
Fans saw this play out last season after defensive tackle Alim McNeill returned from his ACL injury in Week 7. He wasn't the explosive force fans came to expect. While this prognosis adds to the hype surrounding McNeill this season, it increases the concerns that Branch could struggle after his return for an extended period of time.
This adds to the already heavy pressure Joseph faces in getting back onto the field as soon as possible. The Lions added veterans Chuck Clark and Christian Izien to the safety room in free agency. Yet, those two started a combined six games in 2025. They, and returning safeties like Avonte Maddox, will get their opportunities to make a big impression, but at this moment, none are the All-Pro and/or Pro Bowl level players Joseph and Branch are.
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The Lions may have a relatively easy schedule overall, but two of their first five games are on the road against playoff teams in the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers, with the former opening their new stadium. Not to mention they'll see New York Jets' quarterback Geno Smith, whose 313 passing yards per game against the Lions is his second most against all opponents.
If the secondary underperforms in those games, the Lions could find themselves in an early hole heading into the Bye week, with two divisional games to follow. Branch and Joseph would need time to get up-to-speed upon their return, but still, having one or both out there helps minimize that risk of an early hole. Having neither could make it a reality.
As the Lions' elite safety duo works hard in their recovery, their status will continue to be one of the Lions biggest storylines as training camp gets underway.
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