Mailbag & June 2026 Rehab Updates for Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, & Brian Branch
Let’s check in on how rehab is going for three of the Detroit Lions stars who are recovering from major injuries. First, an intriguing idea from a reader…
Should the Lions 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.
What is this contraption on Kerby Joseph’s foot?
(Credit @DrLurker6223 on X for the tip.)
This medieval torture-looking device is actually a proprietary FoosFoot designed to strengthen dorsi and plantar flexion of the foot. It can be used for rehab or basic strength training.
It’s unknown if Kerby is actually using this device, or just prepping to be a Game of Thrones expendable extra like his nemesis Aaron Rodgers. Regardless, the benefits of this device would not be directly related to his knee issue.
What is Brian Branch up to in Achilles rehab?
Posted from Dallas Sports Physical Therapy Clinic (athlete.rx.pt Instagram)…
While it’s great to see glimpses of Branch’s rehab, this video provides little to no information about how recovery from his right Achilles rupture is going. The most we see is Branch doing light jogging. It’s a promotional video so there’s not much of substance.
I have no records of Branch with a back issue while with the Lions, so any back work is likely just maintenance. The vast majority of Branch’s health issues have involved his legs.
Is Brian Branch emerging from an alien cocoon?
(Credit @kevin_hls on X for the pic)
While it’s possible Branch is evolving into his final alien form, more likely he is training with a Boost treadmill, which uses an air bubble to offload body weight. It’s a similar concept to underwater rehab.
The hope is to see some cutting, jumping, and sprinting drills soon for Branch, who is 6 months post. For reference, here is a recent video (via @Jones11_) of Bills DE Michael Hoecht who is 7 months post Achilles…
Alim McNeill on his ACL recovery
McNeill met with the media on May 29, 2026 to discuss his ACL recovery. The full interview video can be seen here at DetroitLions.com. Here are some key quotes from McNeill:
It takes time for stuff to come back. Some stuff was just not there yet. It’s here now.
It’s a night and day difference from last year and now.
Overall, strength and being able to connect the mind and body. My brain being able to know this leg is good and I can step and plant here. It’s more mental and neurological.
ACL recoveries are very reliable but usually players are not back to full ability in their 1st year back. There are mental and physical reasons for this. As McNeill mentioned, there is a mental hurdle that needs to be overcome. From a physical standpoint, MRI’s have shown that ACL healing can still be happening up to two years after surgical reconstruction.
All signs point to McNeill having a big bounceback year in 2026.
For information on Detroit Lions ACL data for the 2025 season…