Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell shakes hands with safety Kerby Joseph before the Lions played the Chiefs earlier this season at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
Safety Kerby Joseph hasn’t played for Lions and coach Dan Campbell since his injury against the Chiefs on Oct. 12. Junfu Han / Imagn Images
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Dan Campbell was asked Sunday if the knee injury that’s kept All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph out for the past six games is chronic in nature, and one that could linger.
His answer shed some light on what Joseph is dealing with.
“I don’t know. It’s hard to say,” Campbell said. “I don’t think it’s necessarily going away, but I think you do the best you can to manage it. It’s like a lot of these guys, you know that they’ve got some injuries here or dealing with cartilage or meniscus or anything like that, you do your best to manage it. There’ll always be a little wear and tear, it’s just how bad is it? But I do know that the more you can strengthen and stabilize, that helps a ton — helps with the swelling, helps with the pain. So, that’s where we’re at.”
Joseph has been out since Week 6 with a knee injury that’s bothered him dating back to training camp. The Lions were cautious with him then, but it was enough to limit him when the season began. He didn’t look like he was operating with his typical speed and movement skills, and had to exit several games due to the injury.
On Monday, Joseph returned to practice as a limited participant, taking part in DB drills with a noticeable knee brace on. A positive development. But one with a caveat.
Joseph spoke to reporters in the locker room after practice and didn’t inspire confidence. When asked if he’s worried about it being a long-term issue, Joseph said: “Can’t be worried. Just gotta trust in God’s plan.”
When asked to elaborate on the state of his knee, Joseph said: “My knee messed up.”
And when asked how he might go about fixing the knee and if surgery was an option, Joseph said: “You don’t fix it. Just keep the faith.”
Joseph, known for his active social media presence, deactivated his X account and deleted photos from his Instagram account. He told reporters he did it so he can lock in on life. Campbell said Joseph is improving, but didn’t offer a timetable for his return.
Additionally, the Lions placed CB Terrion Arnold on injured reserve Monday with a shoulder injury. He will miss at least four of the Lions’ remaining five games and could miss the rest of the season. The Lions play the Dallas Cowboys at home Thursday night.
Joseph’s return to practice is a step in the right direction. But it certainly sounds like the Lions might have to monitor his knee situation for the foreseeable future. Joseph signed a four-year, $86 million contract extension in April — making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league. They’ve been cautious for a reason.
It’s been a frustrating season for Joseph. Detroit’s secondary is hurting. The team is, too.
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