The Lions’ secondary has been shorthanded to begin the season, something which was plainly obvious during last night’s blowout loss to the Bills. The unit could receive reinforcements earlier than Detroit hoped, though.
During Thursday’s contest, Amazon Prime’s James Palmer reported there is an expectation that at least one of Brian Branch or Kerby Joseph could return to the lineup “much sooner” than the Lions expected. Both safeties were moved to the reserve/PUP list during roster cuts at the end of training camp. As a result, they will be unavailable until at least Week 5.
Players on the PUP list to begin the season are now allowed to begin practicing after two games, however. That means Branch and/or Joseph could be on the practice field relatively soon. An activation at the first point of eligibility would of course offer a major boost to Detroit’s defense, a unit which has allowed 71 points and 724 yards through the first two contests of the season.
Branch tore his Achilles in December 2025, and his recovery timeline left it as no surprise that he landed on the PUP list for September. Joseph, more concerningly, missed 11 games last season due to a degenerative knee condition. No surgery took place during the offseason, but it remained unclear through training camp when a return to the field would be possible. Joseph, 25, led the NFL in interceptions with nine in 2024 and earned a first-team All-Pro nod.
That led to an extension averaging $21.25MM per year being worked out, the NFL’s largest safety contract at the time. Joseph’s health is critical from a short- and long-term perspective as a result. Branch, meanwhile, is a candidate for a big-money extension of his own. The 24-year-old’s rookie contract will expire at the end of the season, and his market will of course be dictated by his ability to return to Pro Bowl form once receiving medical clearance.
The Lions’ secondary was dealt another blow when veteran Avonte Maddox exited with a foot injury. The veteran was on crutches and his left foot was in a walking boot as he left the locker room after the game, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network. Maddox’s status will be worth watching over the coming days, but in any case the potential early return of Branch and/or Joseph could prove to be highly beneficial.
