Should Lions put Kerby Joseph on a snap count?

With the health status of Kerby Joseph at the forefront of Lions fans’ minds, a reader had an intriguing idea to help Joseph get through the season…
put Kerby Joseph on a snap count?

I love this idea of putting Kerby Joseph on a limited snap count throughout the season. However, that would require the Lions to change their typical philosophy of playing their starting safeties 100% of snaps.

Joseph’s ability to snag interceptions at a remarkable rate is what makes him the superstar safety that he is. Like a situational EDGE rusher, the Lions could prioritize Joseph for situational passing downs.

If limited snap counts helps him get through a game and the season, it would be worth the experiment. Is he worth his contract as a part-time safety? That question would need to be addressed next offseason. This year is a sunk cost so the Lions will want to be smart about his usage.

As detailed in my Lions Wire Snap Count article from last year, I’ve been in favor of more rotation of players at positions like safety, CB, and LB. The NFL season is long and arduous, so the idea of playing 100% of snaps should be reconsidered.

For more analysis on Kerby Joseph’s rehab including the strange foot contraption he was using, visit Mailbag & June 2026 Rehab Updates for Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, & Brian Branch.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Should Lions put Kerby Joseph on a snap count?