The Detroit Lions enter mandatory minicamp with several key contributors still working their way back from injuries suffered during the 2025 season. Safety Brian Branch continues recovering from a torn Achilles, while tight end Sam LaPorta remains on a managed workload following back surgery. The Lions are also monitoring standout safety Kerby Joseph's recovery from a knee injury, while rookie wide receiver Kendrick Law begins a lengthy rehabilitation after suffering a torn ACL during OTA practices.
Kerby Joseph - Knee
Joseph remains limited during Lions OTAs as he continues managing a knee issue that sidelined him late in the 2025 season and ultimately landed him on injured reserve. The standout safety has not participated in on-field drills during the voluntary portion of the offseason program, focusing instead on rehabilitation and recovery. Joseph is expected to attend mandatory minicamp but will likely remain limited initially as the Lions take a cautious approach with his workload. While the team remains optimistic about his long-term outlook, his knee will continue to be closely monitored heading into training camp.
Brian Branch - Achilles
Branch continues to rehab from a right Achilles rupture suffered in December. The Lions safety was sidelined during minicamp and focused on rehab work rather than on-field participation.
Update: Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that Detroit is taking an extremely conservative approach with the standout defensive back's timeline. While Branch remains on track in his recovery, Campbell indicated that a return before training camp is unlikely and joked that anything before December should be viewed as a bonus. The Lions have not ruled out the possibility of Branch opening the 2026 season on the PUP list.
Sam LaPorta - Back
LaPorta is working back from a herniated disc that required surgery in November. He was limited to walk-throughs and jog-throughs during minicamp as Detroit gradually ramps up his activity.
While the Lions tight end has been able to participate in walk-through portions of the offseason program, he has otherwise remained on a limited workload and worked primarily on the side during practices. The good news is that Detroit remains encouraged by his progress. Head coach Dan Campbell said LaPorta is "trending the right way" and that his rehab has him positioned well heading into training camp. Barring any setbacks, LaPorta appears on track to continue increasing his workload as camp approaches.
Kendrick Law - ACL
Law suffered a torn ACL during a non-contact incident at Lions OTA practices in early June, bringing an abrupt end to his first offseason with the team. The rookie receiver was subsequently ruled out for mandatory minicamp and is expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the 2026 season as he begins the lengthy rehabilitation process. The injury is a significant setback for the fifth-round pick as he had been competing for a developmental role in Detroit's receiving corps.
