Generally speaking, it has seemed to be a matter of if, not when, the Detroit Lions get All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph back. He has not even practiced in more than a year, and his knee issue may never be fully fixed. And even if he is able to suit up, would the Lions be getting a diminished version of the ballhawk he was?
For his part, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has largely not sounded overly optimistic about Joseph, rooted in the prevalent uncertainty of the situation. It doesn't make sense for anyone to declare anything one way or the other, and the timeline for Joseph to possibly return to action cannot be confidently pinned down.
But last week, in two opportunities to talk about Joseph in light of Brian Branch's return from an Achilles' tear, Campbell's tone changed dramatically. He told reporters he expected Joseph to play this season, and during his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket he noted Joseph's progress.
Also last week, coincidentally or not in concert with the change in Campbell's vibe, Joseph posted a workout video that showed him moving pretty well. He was also spotted on the field during pregame warmups before Sunday's game. If there are tea leaves to be read, they are positive right now.
NFL insider seems to expect Kerby Joseph to return soon
In his immediate takeaways from Week 7, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer had a lot of praise for the Lions' showing against the Green Bay Packers. He also mentioned Joseph a couple times.
"We all know what the offense is capable of. The defense, with Brian Branch back and Kerby Joseph’s return looming, showed signs of life Sunday, halting the Green Bay run game, and keeping the Packers from making a single play of more than 28 yards, while keeping any of their skill players from getting to even 60 yards rushing or receiving."
After relaying details of a conversation he had with Jahmyr Gibbs, in light of the Lions' star running back showing some situational awareness late in the game against Green Bay, Breer looked ahead.
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"Next week, they’ll get the undefeated Vikings at home. And they couldn’t be more ready for that after riding out some bumps, and injuries, early in the year. Branch and Cade Mays are back now. Joseph will be soon."
Breer may just be channeling what Campbell said last week, and the residual developments with Joseph with the workout video and an apparent uptick in pregame involvement. Or maybe he has some extra insight which points to Joseph's return being around the corner.
In any case, the recent change in tone about Joseph is notable. Time will tell if it means anything.
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