An early bye week initially felt like a bit of a joke from the NFL for the Detroit Lions. Instead of getting a break a little further into the season, they'd get one fairly early on and ahead of a critical two-game stretch in which they'll be facing off with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
Now, with injury updates on both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, that early bye week is beginning to feel like a blessing. According to head coach Dan Campbell, Joseph is still rehabbing and on the right track ahead of the season, and continues to be on the "Branch plan" for his recovery.
Coach Campbell gives an update on Kerby Joseph pic.twitter.com/G3BpOqOi0x
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 11, 2026
Campbell had mentioned before training camp that Branch's timeline for a return was likely sometime towards the end of camp, which leaves him right on the border of either debuting in Week 1, or spending the first four weeks of the season on the IR prior to returning.
Branch, Joseph on the right track to return for Week 7 vs. Packers
If Branch and Joseph remain on the IR for the first four weeks of the season, and then require a weekend of practice to ramp back up to in-game action, that could peg them for a return right when Detroit is facing off with the Packers in Week 7. That's also when Micah Parsons could be returning, with the edge rusher projected for a return in late October.
Having these two starters - and, not just starters, but star safeties - would be huge for what could be Detroit's first critical game of the regular season. Prior to that contest, they'll be up against three teams with tanking aspirations, one contender in the Buffalo Bills, and one borderline good team in the New Orleans Saints. They stand to have an excellent record prior to their first NFC North game.
READ MORE: Center market looks ghoulish just as Lions are in need of Cade Mays replacement
Green Bay's offense has a chance at being pretty potent this season, with Jordan Love only getting better and their receiving duo of Christian Watson and Jayden Reed healthy and ready to help Love contend in the division. Parsons's potential return for this Lions game makes Branch and Joseph's returns even more crucial, as the two defenses are boosted mightily by their respective skills.
The Lions' safety room isn't in horrific shape without these two, but adding them back to the fold only helps Detroit's contention argument. Having two turnover generators like them in their secondary takes a major load off of the Lions' defensive line and their cornerback room, and makes them even heavier favorites to win the division.
Add us as a preferred source on Google