The Detroit Lions waived second-year safety Brandon Joseph on Saturday, just hours after his arrest in Michigan and one day before a critical game impacting the team’s playoff aspirations.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported that Joseph was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of speeding and impaired driving.
“Joseph was arrested at 1:47 a.m. Saturday in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, police there confirmed to ESPN,” the report stated. “Officers observed him driving at a high rate of speed. During a traffic stop, they noticed signs of alcohol use and conducted preliminary tests with reasonable and probable cause. He was subsequently arrested, detained, and released roughly six hours later.”
The Lions released Joseph later that day, leaving a gap in their injury-stricken secondary.
Police Provide Details on Brandon Joseph Arrest
Paul Vanderplow, director of the Dearborn Heights Police Department, told ESPN that Joseph cooperated fully during the incident, which remains under investigation.
“He was very cooperative, he was compliant,” Vanderplow said. “We had reasonable suspicion and probable cause to investigate him for operating under the influence.
“He subjected himself to all required tests. We are awaiting the results of those tests before deciding on any additional charges.”
Joseph, an undrafted rookie in 2023, appeared in two games last year and has played in 14 games this season, starting once and recording 13 total tackles.
Lions Bolster Secondary Amid Injuries
To fill the void, the Lions elevated safety Loren Strickland from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Even before Joseph’s release on Saturday, the Lions were dealing with multiple injuries, including cornerback Carlton Davis, who was placed on injured reserve following last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold is expected to move into the starting lineup. Arnold expressed confidence in his readiness for the expanded role.
“Things have changed a lot. I’ve gained experience, played in big games, and gotten acclimated to the NFL,” Arnold told Sports Illustrated. “My role has grown, and I’ve adjusted. Early on, I was a bit handsy, but I’ve improved since then.”
Arnold said he had anticipated stepping into a starting role but acknowledged it happened sooner than he expected due to Davis’s injury.
“Of course, I knew it was coming eventually, and it just happened earlier than I thought. But I’m ready and prepared,” Arnold said. “I feel good, my coaches trust me, and I trust myself. I’m ready to go out there and get the job done.”
Despite their defensive injuries, the Lions received positive news with the activation of safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from injured reserve this week.
Heading into Sunday’s matchup, the Lions were tied with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings for the best record in the NFC. The team aims to secure the No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye.
