The Detroit Lions will have to wait longer for safety Kerby Joseph to return as head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that the 25-year-old will not resume practicing this week despite becoming eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list.

Detroit has completed two games, which means Joseph and fellow safety Brian Branch are now permitted to begin practicing under the NFL's offseason PUP rule change. However, eligibility does not mean either player is ready to return.

Joseph has been out since mid-October of last season because of a knee cartilage issue, while Branch has been recovering from an Achilles injury after missing the final month of the 2025 season.

Campbell said Monday that Branch and Joseph will remain out of practice this week. Branch is further along in his recovery and could begin the next stage within a few weeks, whereas Joseph is expected to require additional time.

“There is nothing I'm going to say (that) is going to make anybody feel better about anything,” Campbell said of Joseph. “I just know we were strengthening the knee and it wasn't a setback. But there was a little time there where we weren't able to do everything we needed to do. And so now we're back at it. And until we can get the knee to a certain point to where it feels strong — as strong as we can possibly get it and he feels comfortable — we're not going to put him out there until he’s ready.”

Dan Campbell on S Kerby Joseph (knee):

“Until we can get the knee to a certain point to where it feels strong — as strong as we can possibly get it and he feels comfortable — we’re not gonna put him out there. Until he’s ready.” pic.twitter.com/vnOsrEpfFy

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) September 21, 2026

Detroit's secondary has already taken another big blow. Avonte Maddox suffered a foot injury against the Buffalo Bills and will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery. Maddox played 85 snaps in the Lions' season opener versus the New Orleans Saints before being limited to 27 snaps against Buffalo.

The defensive situation has become more pressing after Detroit allowed 71 points through its first two games. The Lions also surrendered 400 passing yards against the Saints and nearly 250 passing yards versus the Bills. Overall, Detroit currently ranks 31st in points allowed per game and 32nd in yards allowed per game.

The Lions have started looking for reinforcements. Detroit added 10-year veteran Jalen Mills to the practice squad Monday after also working out experienced defensive backs Jordan Fuller and Mike Edwards. Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper and Christian Izien remain among the available options for the Lions in the secondary.