Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph had an offseason procedure that will sideline him until training camp.
The way Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph was bouncing around the stage on uniform reveal night, you’d never know that he was recovering from offseason surgery. But in an interview shortly after the event wrapped, Joseph spoke about an offseason procedure he had on his hip, dating back to an injury he suffered all the way back in Week 2.
At first, he downplayed the injury and offseason surgery.
“That was a little hiccup but that ain’t nothing, man,” Joseph said. “Nothing stop J. Kerb. I’m going to go all the way.”
But when pressed a little bit more about the injury and a timetable for his return, Joseph let out a big sigh and revealed that he’ll likely be sidelined until training camp begins.
“I ain’t going to come back until training camp,” Joseph said. “Yeah, just bear with me, but I’ll be back.”
Joseph is entering his third season with the Lions after being taken in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After being forced into the lineup as a rookie, Joseph thrived, leading the team with four interceptions and eight passes defended. Entering 2023 as a full-time starter, Joseph’s production actually increased, matching his four interceptions from the previous season but jumping to 11 passes defended. That said, his overall game was a lot more up-and-down, with his PFF grade dropping from 64.0 his rookie season to 56.5 last year.
Joseph refused to blame the injury, saying it didn’t have an impact on him when he was on the field.
“I’m going 100 percent. Ain’t no hindrance,” Joseph said. “I’m going to give it all I got every time.”
The Lions started their offseason program this week with only three pure safeties on the roster: Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Brandon Joseph. There appears to be plans to play Brian Branch at safety situationally, but don’t be surprised if the Lions opt to add to the safety room either via free agency or next week’s NFL Draft.
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