The Lions have an elite pair of starting safeties but a lot of question marks behind them. There is opportunity for one of the young, unproven players to step up.
Last season, five safeties made the 53-man roster (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Brandon Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Loren Strickland).
Here is the list of safeties starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season.
#1: Avonte Maddox – 29yo
Maddox was very reliable last season with the Eagles playing in every game. However, he’s had many significant injuries in year’s past including pec surgery, toe surgery, severe concussion, hamstring, ankle, and knee.
Projection: As long as he stays healthy, Maddox will be a valuable backup at both CB and safety. He got $1.2 million guaranteed on his 1-year deal which means he’s very likely making the 53-man roster.
#2: Dan Jackson – 24yo
This 2025 7th-rounder had a 2022 foot stress fracture surgery, which is something to definitely keep an eye on throughout his career. It could be a Jones fracture, which carries a risk of refracture.
Projection: There is a wide-open opportunity for Jackson to seize a backup position on the 53-man roster.
#3: Brian Branch – 23yo
Branch had offseason surgery in 2024 on his left foot or ankle. It didn’t seem to slow him down as he only missed one game last season due to a concussion. Of slight concern is that he appeared to be playing through minor right leg issues in the second half of the year.
There isn’t a significant health concern going forward, but his legs will be worth watching this season. Branch was a limited participant at OTA, but was not placed on PUP at the start of training camp which alleviates any concerns.
Projection: Branch enters his third NFL season fully healthy as he continues the stellar start to his career. Next offseason, he leapfrogs Joseph to become the highest paid safety in the NFL.
#4: Kerby Joseph – 24yo
After offseason hip surgery in 2024, Joseph played every game last season and was named an All-Pro. He was rewarded with massive 4-year, $86 million extension this offseason.
The details of the hip surgery are unknown. Early returns are excellent but it’s something to monitor the rest of his career.
Projection: A healthy Joseph continues to display his playmaking skills this season. He’ll get a chance to add to his expansive Aaron Rodgers interception collection in Week 16 vs the Steelers.
#5: Loren Strickland – 25yo
As an undrafted rookie last year, Strickland had a thumb injury in Week 1 but returned in Week 2. He also missed a game due to a right knee in Week 9. In total, he appeared in seven games with all snaps coming on special teams. He was supplanted by Norris in the playoffs without a sign of injury.
Projection: Special teams might be the determining factor on if he makes the team.
#6: Morice Norris – 24yo
As an undrafted rookie last year, Norris saw his most action all year during the playoff game after Ifeatu Melifonwu got hurt.
Projection: Norris will need to show better than he did during the playoff game to earn a role on the team.
#7: Ian Kennelly – 24yo
This undrafted rookie had a shoulder injury during his last season in college but was a full participant this offseason. Per Jeff Risdon, Kennelly flashed excellent athleticism during the rookie minicamp.
Projection: There is an opportunity for him to make the roster due to the lack of depth at the position.
#8: Erick Hallett – 25yo
He spent some time on the Lions practice-squad last year but has yet to play in a game. He doesn’t appear to have any significant injury history.
Projection: Hallett is likely fighting for another practice-squad spot this year.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions training camp medical preview: Safeties
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
