Lions expect Kerby Joseph to play in 2026, Brian Branch nears return: Can Detroit defense turn a corner?

With a healthy safety tandem, the Lions might be in for a defensive turnaround. The Detroit Lions own the worst defense in the NFL, but help is on the way. They could soon have both starting safeties in the lineup for the first time this season, as Brian Branch is set to make his 2026 debut in Week 7 and Kerby Joseph is on track to play at some point this year. Branch tore his Achilles last December and opened the year on injured reserve, but the Lions opened his practice window on Oct. 7, and coach Dan Campbell said on Monday that he expects the former Pro Bowler to be activated ahead of Sunday's divisional showdown against the Green Bay Packers.

Campbell noted, however, that Branch could be on a snap count in order to ease his way back into action. The return of one half of the safety tandem shifted the attention to the other. Joseph is on the PUP list with an inoperable, chronic knee issue which dates back to last year's training camp, and he has not played since October 2025. But Campbell said he expects Joseph to suit up this season. "He's doing well," Campbell said. "I'll leave it at that. He really is. He's doing a good job. I'm not gonna give you a