The Detroit Lions are gearing up for one of their toughest tests of the season when they face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 — and they may have to do it with one of their top defenders pushing through pain. Safety Kerby Joseph, fresh off a career year in 2024, has been dealing with a nagging knee injury but remains determined to suit up for the pivotal clash.
Joseph’s resilience has become a calling card of his young career. Known as one of the NFL’s premier ballhawks, he’s coming off a season where he led the league in interceptions and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. But against a Ravens offense powered by Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat magic and the bruising runs of Derrick Henry, Detroit will need Joseph at his very best — both in coverage and as a key piece in stopping Baltimore’s explosive ground game.
While the injury has limited his practice reps, Joseph’s presence on the field is vital. He’s the kind of player who not only creates turnovers but also brings confidence and swagger to the secondary. His partner in crime, Brian Branch, has quickly emerged as a top safety in his own right, but the duo works best when both are at full strength.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised Joseph’s toughness, noting that his ability to battle through adversity sets the tone for the entire team. With Detroit’s defense preparing for perhaps its biggest challenge of the season, Joseph’s grit and leadership could be the difference between slowing down Baltimore’s stars or being overwhelmed by them.
If the Lions are going to prove themselves as legitimate NFC contenders, they’ll need their playmakers on the field — and even banged up, Kerby Joseph looks ready to answer the call.