Kerby Joseph injury update: Detroit Lions S practices with brace, limp

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph took part in practice Monday, Dec. 1, for the first time in nearly two months, with a large brace on his left knee and a noticeable limp in his walk.

Joseph has missed six straight games and last practiced Oct. 3, two days before the Lions’ Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His status for this week's game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday (8:15 p.m., Prime Video) is uncertain.

Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed Sunday that Joseph suffered a bone bruise in his knee earlier this season, after initially injuring his knee in training camp. Campbell said Joseph also is dealing with "wear and tear" in his knee that won't necessarily subside this offseason.

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On Monday, Joseph looked explosive during position drills but often limped back to the sideline after his rep.

Joseph, who led the NFL with nine interceptions last season, signed a four-year extension this offseason that made him the game's highest-paid safety. He deleted his social media accounts in recent days in apparent frustration with speculation about what his knee problems mean for his career.

Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said Joseph is "doing great" mentally and he's excited to get him back at some point this season.

"He’s ready to get back," Sheppard said. "He was as upbeat as I’ve ever seen him last week, leading into the week, knowing that he’s scratching and clawing, hopefully it’s a chance we get him back pretty soon here. But Kerby’s good, man."

Joseph, who declined an interview request Sunday, has not played since the Lions’ Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lions injury report for Monday

Cornerback Terrion Arnold, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle) and tight end Brock Wright (trachea) missed practice for the Lions on Monday.

The Lions started tight end Shane Zylstra's 21-day practice window in a possible return from injured reserve and signed receiver Andrew Armstrong to the practice squad. Along with Wright, who is out indefinitely, the Lions lost starting tight end Sam LaPorta to season-ending back surgery.

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kerby Joseph injury update: Detroit Lions S practices with knee brace