Dan Campbell on Kerby Joseph: We're trying to get him back, but he's not ready

The Lions have struggled in the secondary through the first two weeks of the season and part of the reason why they’re having a hard time is the absence of safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

Head coach Dan Campbell said at a Monday press conference that Branch, who is coming off a torn Achilles, is probably closer to returning from the physically unable to perform list than Joseph. Joseph has been dealing with knee problems since early last season and Campbell was asked on 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday what he would say to someone who wonders if Joseph is going to play at all this season.

“I wish I could make you feel good,” Campbell said. “I can’t make you feel good. It’s going to come as it comes, and he’s not ready. We’re trying to get him there as fast as we can, and we’re trying to be as smart about it as we can. If he’s ready, when he’s ready, of course we want to play him and get him on the field.”

The Lions lost another safety when Avonte Maddox went down in Week 2 and they added veteran Jalen Mills to their practice squad on Monday to help bolster their depth. Barring a major change for Joseph, they may remain on the search for help at the back end of the defense all year.