Overview
- The Lions designated Kerby Joseph to return to practice on Wednesday, Oct. 28, opening the NFL‑mandated 21‑day evaluation window that allows on‑field work while he remains on the reserve/PUP list.
- Coach Dan Campbell said Joseph has "passed every test to this point" and that the strength in his injured knee, thigh and quad is good as the team begins a careful ramp‑up of drills and contact.
- Under league rules the club must activate Joseph to the 53‑man roster within the 21 days or place him on season‑ending injured reserve, a decision that will depend on how he responds to live reps.
- Joseph’s first practice reps surprised teammates and lifted morale, but multiple reports say he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming game against Minnesota as the staff prioritizes a stepwise return.
- Joseph was a 2024 first‑team All‑Pro who led the NFL with nine interceptions and signed a four‑year, $86 million extension; his degenerative knee/cartilage issue kept him out since Oct. 12, 2025, and a healthy reunion with recently returned Brian Branch could materially strengthen Detroit’s struggling secondary.