Full Breakdown
Lions Coach Dan Campbell Confirms Three Veterans Remain Out of Practice During OTA
5/30/2026, 12:35:01 AM
Core Update: Injured Veterans Not Practicing at OTA
At the Lions’ third organized team activity (OTA) practice, head coach Dan Campbell reported that safety Brian Branch, safety Kerby Joseph, and tight end Sam LaPorta are “all improving” but are not participating in on-field drills. Campbell emphasized that the team does not view their immediate presence on the practice field as a priority while the offseason program continues through the next month.
Background & Context
- Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles tendon in December (Week 14 of the 2023 season).
- Kerby Joseph missed the final 11 games of the 2023 season due to a degenerative knee injury; surgery is not being pursued, and his rehabilitation relies on rest and recovery.
- Sam LaPorta underwent back surgery in November after a back injury sustained in Week 8. He has begun limited walk-through and jog-through activities but is not expected to engage in full practice soon.
All three players are engaged in meetings and mental-skill sessions as part of their rehabilitation plans. The Lions’ offseason program, which includes OTA sessions, is slated to wrap up next month.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Campbell stated that the priority is to allow the veterans to continue improving through rehab and mental preparation rather than forcing early on-field involvement. He noted that the players are “in meetings, they’re getting the mental side of this” and that “the important thing is, continue to let them improve, rehab.” Campbell added that there is no urgency to see them on the field before the offseason program concludes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both source articles present identical information regarding the players’ injury status, rehabilitation approach, and the coach’s stance. No dissenting opinions or alternative timelines were reported, and specific dates for each player’s return to full practice remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kerby, Branch, LaPorta, they’re all improving, none of them are practicing,” — Dan Campbell
- “That’s the best I can tell you.” — Dan Campbell
- “That’s not the priority, and it’s not worth all that, anyway,” — Dan Campbell
- “It’s not worth all that anyway. . . . The most important thing is continue to let them improve, rehab, all that. They’re in meetings, they’re getting the mental side of this.” — Dan Campbell
What’s Next
The Lions will proceed with the remaining OTA schedule while the three veterans remain in rehab and mental-skill programs. As the offseason program concludes next month, the coaching staff will reassess each player’s readiness for full practice participation. No official timeline for their return to game action has been announced.
