Detroit Lions Take Important Step Toward Major Defensive Boost

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The Detroit Lions opened up their 2026 NFL season without each of their starting safeties: Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

Branch returned to action for the Lions in Week 7, giving the team a notable defensive boost as they took down the division-rival Green Bay Packers. And now as they gear up for this coming Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Joseph is taking a major step toward his return to the field.

Joseph's time on the physically unable to perform list is over as he returned to practice on Wednesday.

"He's put in a lot of work. It's been a long, hard road for Kerby," head coach Dan Campbell said when speaking to reporters. "So just to be able to get back out there with the guys and run around a little bit. We'll progress him as we go along each week here, just to get him back in the flow.

"We've still got a ways to go, but this is a step in the right direction."

The Lions are 4-2 to open up their 2026 NFL campaign. If they're able to hand the Vikings their first loss of the season on Sunday, they'll start to close the gap in the NFC North Standings.