Detroit’s defensive depth faces an immediate litmus test as veteran reinforcements Chuck Clark and Christian Izien step in to stabilize a secondary missing its two elite anchors.

Lions GM Brad Holmes remains confident Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will play in 2026, but he couldn't offer a firm timetable for their returns.

The Detroit Lions will start the new season without two key starters, as safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were placed on the reserve/PUP list on Sunday. Joseph is dealing with a knee injury, while Branch is still recovering from an Achilles injury. Neither participated in training camp. Presumably, the Lions are taking extra caution with […] The post Lions news: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch injury update bring no clarity to timeline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hopeful standout safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch along with backup running back Isiah Pacheco will be healthy enough to play this season. Holmes said on Wednesday that he did not want to share a timetable for each player's potential return. Joseph played in just six games last season with a knee injury that has lingered and limited him to working out with the team's training staff this summer.

Detroit Lions top two safeties start 2026 NFL season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Throughout training camp and the preseason, the Detroit Lions have been without safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles), who both remained on the PUP list.Now, with the regular season approaching, the Lions have provided a clearer outlook on the status of both players.According to the Lions, Joseph and Branch will begin the season […] The post Lions Announce Fates Of Injured Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch appeared first on HEAVY.

The Lions will open the season with two safeties on the physically unable to perform list.

Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will miss a minimum of 4 games after the Detroit Lions placed them on reserve/PUP.

The Lions will not have one of their key defenders early on in the 2026 season.