The Detroit Lions are banking on a fully healthy safety duo in 2024, with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch recovering from significant injuries sustained last season.
Last year, Joseph missed most of the season due to a knee injury, while Branch suffered a torn Achilles tendon late in the campaign. However, Lions General Manager Brad Holmes remains optimistic about their recovery.
"I think they're both heading in the right direction," Holmes said.
The Lions did not draft a safety in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Holmes clarified that the decision was based on the team's draft board rather than concerns about Joseph and Branch's health.
"It wasn’t that we intentionally didn’t draft a safety because we feel good about them. I feel like they’re both trending in the right direction, but it just didn’t line up," Holmes explained. "Just like it hasn’t lined up at other positions in the past. We didn’t ignore it. There were some good ones that were out there that just got picked before we were able to, but it just didn’t quite line up."
"I didn’t really think that class was as deep either, so it had to line up and you had to strike right."
The Lions' defense has been plagued by injuries for two consecutive seasons. This year, the team is hopeful that key players, including Joseph and Branch, will remain healthy from the start of the season through its conclusion.
Related articles
The 34 participants in the Accelerator program include Mike McDaniel, Eric Bieniemy
Since the inauguration of the 47th president, the NFL has been engaged in a delicate dance regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Thi...
When it comes to standalone windows and Sunday Ticket/RedZone, there's a delicate balance to strike
On one hand, it's encouraging to see the NFL trim the cluster of 1:00 p.m. ET games and drop more of them in standalone windows, where they can be wat...
The Cardinals' schedule-release video didn't go well
In a sea of team-produced schedule-release video (some of which have morphed into way-too-long short films), there are two ways to stand out. One, be...
Jaguars answer the biggest question after NFL schedule release
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs out prior to the AFC Wild Card Playoff game between the Jacks...
Roger Goodell wanted Falcons-Saints MNF game to mark 20 years since return from Katrina
One of the most memorable games in Monday Night Football History took place in Week Three of the 2006 season, when the Saints beat the Falcons in thei...
Report: Josh Mauro died of accidental drug overdose
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died last month at 35. Via the California Post, authorities have determined that Mauro's death occurred as a resul...
Anthony Richardson: Colts are giving me a chance to work and potentially get back on the field
'' Anthony Richardson wants a trade, and the Colts would love to trade him. But what has been described as a "soft market" by Adam Schefter of ESPN le...
Trevor Lawrence didn't get a schedule-release haircut
One of the great mysteries of the 2026 offseason has been solved.Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence did not actually get a haircut as part of the tea...