Lions safety addresses hip rehab

Kerby Joseph suffered a hip injury in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign. The ailment led to two missed games before the third-year Lions safety returned to action for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

Joseph underwent offseason surgery and is expected to be healthy for training camp. The 23-year-old missed spring practices while rehabbing, but his latest comments confirm he has returned to full health. As a result, he should be able to play once camp opens later this month.

“Oh, for sure. That hip ain’t nothing,” Joseph said during an appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “Last year, I played through the injury. It was there, but I feel 10 times better now, so I just can’t wait to get out there with the guys.”

The former third-rounder has established himself as a key member of Detroit’s secondary, starting 32 of 35 combined regular and postseason games. Joseph totaled 82 tackles and four interceptions during his rookie campaign and matched those numbers exactly last season. He has added 19 pass breakups during that span, and his coverage statistics improved considerably from 2022 to ’23.

The Lions will welcome Joseph back into the fold as the team looks to integrate several new faces in the secondary. Additions at the cornerback spot were made via trade, free agency and the draft to take needed steps against the pass in 2024. Brian Branch — who has spent plenty of time at slot corner early in his career — is expected to receive extended looks at safety this summer. Joseph may have a new running mate on the backend in 2024 as a result, but in any event, he will be at full strength by the start of the campaign.