As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches in one week, the Detroit Lions face renewed concerns regarding the health of safety Kerby Joseph. After missing a significant portion of last season due to chronic knee problems, Joseph’s condition remains uncertain, complicating the Lions’ efforts to strengthen their roster and maximize their playoff chances this offseason.
Joseph participated in just six games last season before his knee troubles sidelined him, and recently, he posted a photo on Instagram showing himself undergoing acupuncture treatment, highlighting that his knee remains a pressing issue for the team as free agency nears.
Details Behind Joseph’s Knee Injury and Its Impact on His Season
The image of Joseph’s knee has reignited debate among fans and analysts. Jimmy Liao M.D. of The Lions Wire called the post
“a positive sign for his mental state,”
noting Joseph’s lack of social media activity over recent weeks may indicate a focused recovery. However, many supporters expressed concern over visible swelling in the knee, which raises questions about his readiness given he has not appeared in a game since Week 6.
Joseph’s knee problems began early, with the safety dealing with an unnamed left knee issue during the first weeks of training camp. Though he was able to return to practice on August 21, he was listed on the injury report in Week 2 and remained sidelined after aggravating the injury during a Week 4 interception return in a victory against the Cleveland Browns.
He briefly returned for Week 5 wearing a knee brace but was injured again in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, resulting in his absence for the remainder of the season. Despite never being placed on injured reserve, it was reported that his injury was initially expected to sideline him for four to six weeks because
“cartilage effects and recovery are difficult to forecast,”
according to Liao.
Later, Joseph revealed the knee issue had become chronic, admitting,
“You don’t fix it. You just keep the faith.”
This ongoing problem prevented him from participating further during the season.
Front Office Response and Plans for the Safety Position Heading Into 2026
Following the end of Joseph’s season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the state of the safety position, which was further weakened when Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles tendon last December. Holmes emphasized that the safety role
“was not going to be ignored”
this offseason and stressed that the team’s primary focus is to get Joseph healthy for the 2026 campaign.
“Early in training camp, when he was going out there, it looked like he was Kerby, and then it just started to kind of going down from there,”
Holmes said, as reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
“He was still a productive player in the games that he was out there from a ball-production standpoint… but the main goal is just get him healthy.”
The timing of Joseph’s acupuncture photo remains unclear, but it serves as a warning for Detroit’s management amid an uncertain outlook. Avonte Maddox, who stepped in at safety during Joseph’s absence, is set to become a free agent. Meanwhile, Thomas Harper remains on the roster, but the Lions could pursue affordable free agents to add competition at the position.
Safety Prospects and Detroit’s Roster Strategy for the Upcoming Draft
The 2024 draft class is strong at safety, presenting several appealing options for Detroit. Top prospects like Caleb Downs from Ohio State, Dillon Thieneman from Oregon, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo are among the anticipated early picks, potentially available within the first two days of the draft.
Joseph’s recent update indicates that the Lions’ priorities this offseason will include addressing the health and depth of their secondary. With the safety position vulnerable due to injuries and free agency moves, Detroit’s decisions over the next few months could significantly shape their defensive capabilities heading into 2026.
Joseph’s ongoing knee concerns highlight the delicate balance the Lions face between managing player health and maintaining competitive talent as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season and beyond.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph posted this picture of his knee on Instagram 🥴 pic.twitter.com/QU3iOKsKZQ
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) February 18, 2026
Kerby Joseph getting acupuncture treatments on knee. Great to see him back on social media as that's a positive sign for his mental state.
Hope to see him on field soon…
(credit @j_ekks for tip) pic.twitter.com/sifyvGk0H3— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) February 18, 2026
