Overview
- Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Joseph is away from the team for a personal matter and that his knee rehab is progressing well but not far enough for the regular‑season opener.
- Joseph began training camp on the Active/PUP list and remains on PUP with no set date for removal, forcing Detroit to consider keeping him on Reserve/PUP or carrying him on the 53‑man roster.
- The Lions have added veteran Chuck Clark and expanded roles for Avonte Maddox and other safeties to cover Joseph and Brian Branch while both recover.
- New 2026 PUP rules give Detroit a 21‑day practice window that can start after the team’s second game, which creates flexibility for activation timing but still requires a four‑game minimum absence.
- Joseph’s four‑year, $86 million contract and his history of missed games raise possible roster and cap decisions for 2027 if injuries limit his 2026 availability.