Detroit Lions 2026 PUP List: Branch, Joseph, & Conklin
When can we expect the PUP Lions to be ready to play?
Detroit Lions training camp 2026 is officially upon us, and that means the announcement of the PUP/NFI lists.
Previously, I speculated that these 5 Lions were PUP-tentials:
Brian Branch - Achilles
Kerby Joseph - knee
Ben Bartch - Lisfranc
Tyler Conklin - unknown
Sam LaPorta - microdiscectomy
Three of the 5 ended up on PUP (physically unable to perform), and there were no unexpected surprises. Also, there were no players announced on NFI (non-football injury). Overall, this PUP list is good news.
As a reminder, players on the PUP count against the 90-man roster, but are not allowed to practice. Players can be taken off the PUP list at any time - even as soon as the next day. I will give my projections of when the player will be taken off the PUP.
Visit my Detroit Lions IR/PUP/NFI tracker for the full summary of these lists throughout the season. You can find the link anytime in the navigation bar above.
DETROIT LIONS 2026 PUP LIST
Kerby Joseph
PUP removal projection: Comes off PUP in early August.
It was quite a whiplash for those who were following the updates on X.
After I posed the question of if Kerby Joseph would be on PUP, the man himself replied assuredly that he would not be on PUP…
Well, the very next day…
Here was Kerby’s response…
Was Kerby just trolling us? Did the Lions put him on PUP against his will? Is all this betting talk a sign of an impending endorsement deal with a gambling app? What does this all mean for his knee?
Those who have been following along with my analysis of Joseph know that starting or not starting on PUP doesn’t really affect my medical impression. His knee has had almost 10 months of rest since his last game action (October 12, 2025), and another month of rest is unlikely to change anything.
At some point during camp, whether it’s early or late, he’ll need to start testing his knee. Then, we’ll know whether his knee can handle football activities or not.
Brian Branch
December 4, 2025: Right Achilles rupture
PUP removal projection: Comes off PUP in October.
Branch’s initial estimated return-to-play was October-November, and there have been no signs of a possibility of an early return - like with optimistic rehab videos. Thus, it’s no surprise to see Branch on PUP. It’s also not a sign of a setback to see him on PUP.
Coming off PUP before cutdown day seems unlikely, which would mean he would move to the reserve/PUP list and miss at least the first 4 games of the season. Game 5 is October 11 at the Cardinals.
Tyler Conklin
Unknown injury
PUP removal projection: Uncertain
Conklin was absent towards the end of OTA in early June and missed the 2-day minicamp in mid-June. It’s possible he sustained an injury during OTA. There was nothing in his medical report to suggest an injury stemming from last season.
Since he was placed on PUP and not NFI, the injury was related to football in some way.
Conklin was pictured in good spirits in late June at his Tyler Conklin Foundation Youth Football Camp, suggesting any injury wasn’t overly severe…
We are likely to find out the outlook for Conklin at Dan Campbell’s opening training camp press conference.
For the injury recap of an important Lion who avoided the PUP list…
Lions Top 10 Injury News of 2025: #4 Sam LaPorta Spinal Disc
One of the elite tight ends in the NFL had a sudden and shocking end to his 2025 season, meriting a spot at #4 on the Top 10 Injury News of 2025. Here is the timeline and analysis of Sam LaPorta’s herniated disc, along with his his future outlook.
If LaPorta and Joseph can both start the season and play even close to their potential, it will be a big lift to this team. The Lions can go as far as their health takes them.