As the Detroit Lions continue their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this spring, head coach Dan Campbell provided vital injury updates on several key players Wednesday, offering clarity on the statuses of safety Kerby Joseph, safety Brian Branch, tight end Sam LaPorta, and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike.
For a team that endured defensive struggles last season without a fully healthy Joseph and had offensive inconsistencies without LaPorta entrenched, these updates carry significant weight. With the 2026 campaign still months away, the Lions are taking a careful approach--prioritizing full recovery over rushed returns. Campbell's remarks suggest the roster could be closer to full strength than many anticipated.
Kerby Joseph: Progressing but Not Yet Cleared
Entering OTAs, the biggest question centered on All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, who underwent a significant procedure late in the 2025 season. Joseph has been the backbone of Detroit's secondary--a rangy, instinctive playmaker capable of erasing mistakes and creating turnovers. His absence last year exposed vulnerabilities, especially against play-action and deep middle throws.
Coach Campbell reported Joseph is "doing well" in his rehab but remains in the "rehab group" phase of OTAs. This means Joseph attends meetings and conditioning sessions but does not participate in on-field 11-on-11 or position drills against other players.
"He's trending in the right direction," Campbell said Wednesday. "We're not going to rush him. The goal is to have him 100 percent for training camp."
This caution is understandable. GM Brad Holmes invested heavily this offseason to bolster the secondary, bringing in veterans like D.J. Reed, Christian Izien, Rock Ya-Sin, and retaining Chuck Clark. Joseph's presence as the deep centerfielder allows defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to deploy aggressive blitz packages and Cover 1 schemes effectively. Any missed time in training camp could slow defensive installation, but Campbell's tone implies confidence in a full return by late July.
Brian Branch: A Full Participant
The news on safety Brian Branch is far more encouraging. Branch, a versatile defensive back, is fully participating in OTAs after missing time late in 2025 with a lower-body injury. Branch can line up in the slot, drop into nickel linebacker roles, and rotate in split-safety looks. His football IQ and physicality are indispensable to Sheppard's defense.
"Brian looks good out there," Campbell noted. "He's moving around well. It's good to have him back."
Branch's availability eases pressure on the cornerback group. With young talents Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. still developing, and new additions like D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox assimilating, Branch provides the veteran stability Detroit needs in the secondary. Assuming Joseph's rehab stays on track, the safety position is shaping into a strength.
Sam LaPorta: Managing a Minor Setback
Perhaps the most surprising update was on tight end Sam LaPorta. The Lions' standout pass-catcher is sidelined from team drills during OTAs due to what Campbell described as a "precautionary" minor issue.
"Nothing serious," Campbell said. "Just something we want to stay on top of. He'll be fine."
That cautious stance should reassure Lions fans, though LaPorta's absence from OTA drills is notable given his central role in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's game plan. LaPorta's ability to create mismatches--whether lining up inline, in the slot, or winning contested catches--is a critical offensive weapon. Without him, the tight end room relies on Tyler Conklin and Brock Wright, both capable but lacking LaPorta's explosive dynamic.
Extended absence could slow the offense's progression, especially as quarterback Jared Goff builds chemistry with a revamped receiving corps featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Greg Dortch, and Malik Cunningham. However, Campbell expressed no long-term concerns, suggesting this is strategic caution rather than a serious injury.
Levi Onwuzurike: Back in the Mix
Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is another bright spot. The former second-round pick has faced injury setbacks, including a severe back issue, raising durability concerns. But Campbell confirmed he is fully participating in OTAs and competing on the field.
"He's out there competing," Campbell said. "We're excited to see what he can do."
Onwuzurike's return strengthens the defensive line rotation. With edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson attracting double teams, Detroit depends on interior pressure to elevate its defense. Onwuzurike, known for bend and quickness, fits the three-technique role well alongside Alim McNeill and second-year Tyleik Williams. His presence in passing situations threatens opposing guards unfamiliar with his lateral agility.
If Onwuzurike maintains health, he could become a valuable rotational piece crucial to Detroit's defensive success.
The Bigger Picture: Building Toward Contention
These injury updates arrive at a critical juncture. The Lions have evolved from underdogs to legitimate contenders, boasting a veteran core, deep roster, and elevated expectations. Each healthy starter matters, particularly during the spring's schematic installation.
Campbell and his coaching staff appear committed to patience and prudence, understanding the importance of readiness come September. Kerby Joseph and Sam LaPorta seem on track for training camp, Brian Branch is already back on the field, and Levi Onwuzurike is contributing again--all signs that Detroit's foundation is sound.
Of course, the NFL's unpredictability means things can change swiftly. Setbacks in summer camp or preseason could affect this outlook. But for now, the Lions have reason to be optimistic about their health heading into 2026.
Detroit will continue OTAs for the next several weeks before pausing for the summer. Training camp, when pads come on and intensity heightens, will be the next true test. A fully available Joseph and LaPorta by then could mean Detroit enters the 2026 season with one of the NFC's most talented and balanced rosters.
Until then, fans can breathe easier knowing their stars are on the mend and that the coaching staff's approach prioritizes long-term success over short-term risk.
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