Former NFL head team doctor Dr. David Chao has delivered troubling news regarding the long-term health of Detroit Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, raising concerns about whether he will be able to complete his massive contract extension.
Speaking at Radio Row ahead of the Super Bowl, Chao suggested that Joseph’s knee injury could significantly limit his career longevity due to damage involving articular cartilage, one of the hardest injuries for athletes to recover from.
“This one’s a little dicey. Once again rooting for him,” Chao said. “Articular cartilage is the holy grail. If you could reproduce it, you’d win the Nobel Prize. It’s the tread on your tires. You can’t just replace it easily. Poor vasculature. Very difficult.”
Dr. Chao Compares Kerby Joseph’s Situation to Jadeveon Clowney
Chao referenced Jadeveon Clowney’s early-career microfracture surgery as an example of how cartilage injuries can permanently impact player value and durability.
“Very early in his career, Jadeveon Clowney had a microfracture surgery for full-thickness cartilage loss,” Chao explained. “He’s outproduced expectations, but that’s also why he never got a long-term deal. Teams are always worried about that knee.”
Chao noted that discussions around stem cell treatment for Joseph indicate the injury may be even more complex.
“When you’re starting to talk about stem cells, that means you’re beyond even microfracture,” Chao said. “Hail Marys get completed, but it’s very dicey.”
Although Chao admitted he has not personally reviewed Joseph’s medical records, he warned that playing out the full contract could be unlikely.
“To say he’s going to fulfill this contract and get another one is a Hail Mary,” Chao added. “I hope I’m wrong.”
Kerby Joseph’s Injury Timeline With the Lions
Joseph entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations after a breakout 2024 campaign, where he recorded:
9 interceptions
83 tackles
12 pass breakups
Following that season, he signed a four-year, $86 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in Detroit Lions history.
However, Joseph suffered a knee injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 28. Though he returned later in the season, he re-aggravated the injury and was eventually placed on Injured Reserve in December, ending his year prematurely.
Dan Campbell Addresses Kerby Joseph’s Injury Management
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke earlier in the season about the challenge of managing Joseph’s knee issue long-term.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily going away, but I think you do the best you can to manage it,” Campbell said. “It’s like cartilage or meniscus injuries. You manage it the best you can.”
What This Means for the Detroit Lions
If Dr. Chao’s assessment proves accurate, the Lions may face serious questions about the long-term availability of their defensive star. While Joseph could still provide value over the next one or two seasons, his ability to finish his historic contract remains uncertain.
For Detroit, getting any productive years out of their All-Pro safety may be considered a win if the injury proves chronic.
