Kerby Joseph Injury Update: Will the Lions’ All-Pro Safety Play vs. Commanders After Lingering Knee Issue?

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell has given an important Kerby Joseph injury update ahead of Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The All-Pro safety remains doubtful to play due to a lingering knee problem that has sidelined him for two straight games.

Campbell discussed Joseph’s condition on Tuesday morning during his regular radio appearance on WXYT-FM (97.1). He said the irritation in Joseph’s knee “is not going away as fast as we had hoped,” indicating the team will continue to be cautious with its star defender.

Kerby Joseph’s Knee Injury Still Bothering Him

According to Campbell, the Lions are focused on giving Joseph as much time as possible to fully recover. “There is improvement, but it’s just not quite there yet,” Campbell said. “We’re not going to force this thing until we get it as calmed down as we possibly can because we don’t want to revisit this every week once he comes back.”

Joseph originally hurt his knee in training camp and later suffered a bone bruise in the same area during the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. Despite the discomfort, he played through pain in the following two games against the Bengals and Chiefs before missing contests versus the Buccaneers and Vikings, which were split by Detroit’s bye week.

The 24-year-old safety was one of the Lions’ breakout stars last season, leading the NFL with nine interceptions and earning All-Pro honors. He signed a four-year, $86 million extension this past offseason and has continued to make an impact in 2025 with a team-high three interceptions through seven games.

Detroit Faces a Crucial Stretch Without Their Defensive Leader

The Lions’ upcoming schedule will test their depth in the secondary. Detroit plays four games in just 19 days — including road matchups against Washington and Philadelphia before home games against the Giants and Packers. Joseph’s availability will be key for a defense that relies on his range and leadership at free safety.

Without Joseph, the Lions have turned to backups and rotational players to help fill the void. The defensive communication and coverage integrity have been visibly affected, especially in deep passing situations. Losing an instinctive ball hawk like Joseph limits the Lions’ flexibility against aggressive passing teams.

For now, the team remains patient. Campbell emphasized the importance of long-term health over rushing his return: “We were hoping it would resolve quicker, but it’s just not there yet,” he said. Detroit’s medical staff will continue monitoring the irritation closely as the Lions prepare for this challenging midseason run.

In short, Kerby Joseph’s status for Sunday remains in serious doubt. The Lions are unlikely to take chances with their All-Pro safety, prioritizing recovery ahead of a demanding November stretch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Kerby Joseph injury update?

Joseph is still dealing with knee irritation and a bone bruise that hasn’t healed as quickly as expected. He remains doubtful for Week 10 vs. Washington.

Q2: How many games has Kerby Joseph missed so far?

He has missed two straight games and could miss a third this Sunday if the irritation persists.

Q3: What did Dan Campbell say about Joseph’s recovery?

Campbell said the team won’t rush him back and wants the injury “as calmed down as possible” before returning to action.

Q4: How important is Kerby Joseph to the Lions’ defense?

Joseph is a vital piece of Detroit’s secondary and one of the NFL’s top playmakers. His absence impacts communication and coverage depth.

Q5: When do the Lions play next?

Detroit faces the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 9, followed by a tough stretch against the Eagles, Giants, and Packers.