Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered a straightforward look into the status of All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, who has now been sidelined for six consecutive games because of a persistent knee injury. Campbell didn’t paint the situation as catastrophic, but he did stress that this isn’t the type of issue that resolves quickly.
According to Campbell, Joseph is showing steady improvement, though the team understands the injury may linger beyond this year.
Asked whether Joseph might suit up for Thursday’s matchup with the Cowboys, Campbell replied, “He’s closer than he was. He’s close.” He added that the medical staff will have clearer information soon. “He keeps trending upward each week. I don’t think the problem just vanishes, but you find ways to manage it. It’s similar to what players deal with when it comes to cartilage or meniscus issues — you manage the discomfort. There’s going to be some wear, but building strength and stability goes a long way.”
For a Detroit secondary that has struggled without its top playmaker, the update is difficult to hear. Before the injury halted his season, the 25-year-old Joseph had already collected three interceptions in six appearances and once again looked like one of the NFL’s premier deep-field defenders.
The Lions are optimistic that continued rehab and targeted strengthening will get Joseph back sooner rather than later, even if his knee needs ongoing attention.
Until then, Detroit will rely on its reserve players and hope its All-Pro safety can return in time to help during the final stretch of the season.
