The Detroit Lions marked April 18 with a festive event to unveil their new uniforms. However, amidst the celebration, Lions safety Kerby Joseph shared some unfortunate news. Speaking to reporters at Ford Field following the uniform reveal, Joseph disclosed that he underwent hip surgery during the offseason. As a result, he will be sidelined for the team’s offseason workouts.
Joseph expressed optimism, stating his intention to make a comeback in time for training camp.
“Y’all just bear with me. But I’ll be back,” said Joseph, via The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi.
Joseph suffered the hip injury in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, causing him to sit out Weeks 3 and 4. By Week 5, he was listed as questionable, but Joseph managed to play. Remarkably, he remained absent from the injury report for the remainder of the season.
Throughout 15 games, Joseph amassed 82 combined tackles, mirroring his rookie season’s total from 17 games. Additionally, he registered 1 tackle for loss, 11 pass defenses, and secured 4 interceptions in 2023.
Lions’ Kerby Joseph Undergoes Offseason Hip Surgery
Joseph’s second season was anticipated to build upon his impressive rookie performance in 2022. However, according to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, Joseph’s 2023 season was characterized as “up-and-down.” Risdon attributed this inconsistency to Joseph’s hip injury, which required surgery.
Following the injury in 2023, Joseph missed two games before returning to the field. However, Risdon noted that his coverage abilities appeared diminished for the remainder of the season.
Despite undergoing surgery, the Lions remain hopeful that Joseph will return healthier and even better than his 2023 form. Such an improvement would significantly benefit the Lions, particularly given their struggles in pass defense, ranking 27th in passing yards allowed last season.
During the offseason, Detroit bolstered its cornerback position with additions such as Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson. Additionally, there’s speculation that the team might target a cornerback in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. However, the safety position has yet to be addressed in free agency.
Despite his injury, Joseph refrained from using it as an excuse during his conversation with reporters on April 18.
“If I’m out there, I’m going 100%. [There isn’t a] hindrance. I’m gonna give it all I got every time,” said Joseph, via Bianchi.
