# Lions safety duo returns

> Detroit Lions safety duo Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch expected to play in 2026.
- Title: Lions safety duo returns · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Detroit Lions safety duo Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch expected to play in 2026. Detroit Lions expect Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch to return from injury for…
- Keywords: detroit lions, kerby joseph, brian branch, nfl, safety, defense, lions defense, sports, Lions, duo, returns, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-kerby-joseph-brian-branch-can-detroit-defense-turn-corner
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:58:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: detroit lions, kerby joseph, brian branch, nfl, safety, defense, lions defense, sports
## Detroit Lions defense
Detroit Lions own the worst defense in the NFL.
## Brian Branch return
Brian Branch set to make 2026 debut in Week 7.
## Kerby Joseph return
Kerby Joseph expected to play this season.
## Coach Campbell's statement
Campbell says Joseph doing well, no timetable given.

> He's doing well, i'll leave it at that. he really is. he's doing a good job. i'm not gonna give you a timetable, but i've been pleased with where he's at. he's in a good headspace right now, which is great, because that's hard. you're coming off this, you're wanting to go, and you're working at it, and at some point it's time for football. we all know that and recognize it, but we'll take it one day at a time.
## 2024 defense success
Lions had best defensive campaign in a decade in 2024.
## 2026 defense potential
Joseph and Branch could form one of league's most proficient safety duos.
## Lions defense status
Lions defense ranks 30th in scoring defense.
## Key takeaway

Detroit Lions expect Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch to return from injury for 2026 season, potentially turning their defense around.