Lions' Joseph Faces Career-Threatening Knee Injury

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph's NFL career is in serious jeopardy due to a persistent knee injury involving cartilage, a tissue that does not readily heal or regenerate. Medical expert Dr. Jimmy Liao shared a concerning prognosis, stating there's a possibility Joseph is "done" and that the injury is absolutely a career threat if he cannot play through the pain.

Joseph's left knee issue began approximately a year ago during training camp, forcing him to miss 11 games last season. Despite attempting a return in December, the pain and swelling prevented him from practicing effectively, leading to him being sidelined for the remainder of the season. This setback raises doubts about whether his knee can withstand the demands of the sport eight to ten months later.

With Joseph on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, alongside fellow safety Brian Branch, the Lions are preparing for the 2026 season with significant gaps in their safety corps. The team has actively strengthened the position by signing veteran safeties Chuck Clark and Christian Izien, who are expected to fill the starting roles.