Dan Campbell said he is focused on bringing the trio along slowly as they recover from injury this offseason.
Dan Campbell said he is focused on bringing the trio along slowly as they recover from injury this offseason.
LB Jack Campbell talks Lions' extension (0:44)
Eric WoodyardMay 29, 2026, 04:24 PM ETCloseEric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted," "Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.
Eric WoodyardMay 29, 2026, 04:24 PM ET
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Some notable faces weren't on the field this week as the Detroit Lions wrapped up their first set of organized team activities (OTAs) at the Meijer Performance Center on Friday.
Safety Kerby Joseph, defensive back Brian Branch and tight end Sam LaPorta are "all improving" after suffering injuries that ended their seasons, according to head coach Dan Campbell, but none of them are practicing during the offseason workout program.
"Listen, the most important thing is continuing to let them improve, rehab, all that," Campbell said ahead of Friday's practice. "That'll take precedence right now. So, they're in meetings. They're getting the mental side of this and just take it day-to-day."
In 2025, the injury bug bit the Lions, as it had the year before, as Joseph was ruled out with a chronic knee injury and missed the final 11 games of the season.
Branch suffered a torn Achilles in the fourth quarter of a Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys, while LaPorta underwent back surgery after being ruled out of the Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
All three players have been key contributors since being drafted in Detroit. Joseph, who is entering his fifth NFL season, was named first-team All-Pro following the 2024 campaign. Branch was a Pro Bowler in 2024 after finishing fifth in defensive rookie of the year voting the previous year. And LaPorta set the rookie receptions mark for a tight end in 2023 and has caught 186 passes in his three seasons with the team.
Averytin News NFL update.