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Lions Will Be Without Kerby Joseph vs. the Dolphins, Testing a Secondary Already Short-Handed
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- Lions Will Be Without Kerby Joseph vs. the Dolphins, Testing a Secondary Already Short-Handed
Detroit's secondary takes another hit before Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday morning on 97.1 The Ticket that safety Kerby Joseph won't play against Miami , more bad news for a pass defense that already ranks in the bottom 10 .
Joseph also sat out the 19-15 win over the Vikings , so the hole itself isn't new. Everything around it is. Cornerback D.J. Reed (hip) wasn't expected to practice Wednesday, and safety Brian Branch has to clear the concussion protocol, per Lions reporter Ben Raven .
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Where the Lions' secondary stands without Joseph
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) celebrates a play against Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Chuck Clark has been the steady fill-in at safety. He played all 53 defensive snaps against Minnesota, but he finished with a 49.5 coverage grade, according to PFF. Branch lasted only 23 snaps before leaving, which pushed Keith Abney II into 21 snaps at free safety. Christian Izien gave up a touchdown on his only target in eight snaps.
Reed is the bigger worry. He was the best player in Detroit's secondary Sunday, allowing one catch for 11 yards on five targets with an interception and a 91.3 coverage grade, per PFF. Behind him, slot corner Roger McCreary allowed a 121.4 passer rating on seven targets. The cornerback room has been thin since Terrion Arnold's exit left a hole , and we wrote earlier this season that Reed might be the fix the defense needed .
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Even with Reed at his best, Detroit allowed 210 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets against Minnesota, according to PFF. That's why the Nov. 10 trade deadline keeps coming up in Detroit. The Lions have a list of cornerbacks they could target , and Joseph's absence makes another body in the back end a more pressing need than it looked a week ago.
If Branch clears protocol and Reed practices by Friday, the Lions can survive another week without Joseph. If not, Clark, Abney and a short cornerback rotation will have to hold up against Miami, two days before the deadline.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
