One of the biggest questions this offseason continues to be whether Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph will return for training camp. However, fans do not seem to be optimistic about his chances, as they are still waiting to hear any encouraging news.

However, a report by Jimmy Liao, MD, has only caused more concern amongst fans. According to Liao, Joseph might start camp on the PUP list, to which Joseph responded on X.

“How much yall wanna bet im not on there," wrote Joseph, adding to more suspense on his July 25 tweet.

While Joseph did respond to the report on his personal X account, it is also important to understand that the Lions are probably going to take their time with the recovery and not risk rushing him.

As reported by the Detroit Free Press on July 26, the Lions announced that safeties Brian Branch and Joseph and tight end Tyler Conklin will start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Liao's report mentioned how an extra couple of weeks of rest would not make a difference, considering it has been 10 months since the injury. It also recalled attention to a prior injury of Joseph.

“Even if the initial knee response is favorable, he’ll still be on significant load management throughout camp,” read the report. “Recall last year, he missed a lot of training camp practices due to this same knee issue.”

There is no doubt that the availability of Joseph is key for the Lions. He is one of the best safeties in the league, but the Lions are afraid that their investment in him could fail. That’s because it was only in April 2025 that he was signed to a four-year $86 million extension.

With no real idea of when a return is possible, fans felt cheated by Joseph giving them false hope.

Fans react to Kerby Joseph's comment on the report

It is clear that Joseph is one of the most important players in the Lions' defense. Now, with reports suggesting that he could miss more time, fans are both empathetic to the situation and also frustrated, as they commented under Joseph's post.

“Dude really turning into a whole clown in front of our eyes s*** sad,” commented one fan.

One fan was not happy about Joseph's comment contradicting what was eventually announced by the Lions later on.

"What was the point of lying to everyone when the truth was coming in 24 hours," commented one fan.

Meanwhile, one fan was sarcastic about the entire situation.

"Way to lie Kerb! You're going gods work brother," commented the fan.

Meanwhile, one fan blamed himself for thinking that Joseph would be coming back.

"That's my fault for getting my hopes up," read the comment.

However, one fan felt more empathetic towards Joseph.

"Praying you get better Kerb, you got this big dawg," read the comment.

It's clear to see that fans are not happy with the entire situation surrounding Kerby Joseph. Lions fans will be hoping for better news later on.

What are your reactions to the Kerby Joseph situation? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar