Brandon Joseph, a safety for the Detroit Lions, was taken into police custody on Saturday morning but was later released. A spokesperson from the Dearborn Heights Police Department confirmed this to Lions OnSI, though they were unable to disclose the exact reason for his detention. According to the Detroit Free Press, Joseph was stopped for speeding and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He reportedly cooperated with authorities during the process.
Following the incident, Joseph was waived from the Lions’ active roster. The team did not issue a statement, as Joseph is no longer part of the roster. In response, the Lions promoted safety Loren Strickland to the active roster for their game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Strickland, who has appeared in all 14 games this season, is expected to take on Joseph’s special teams duties for the time being.
Joseph, in his second year, was originally signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad, making two game appearances as a call-up. He made his first NFL start in Week 4 when Brian Branch was sidelined.
In addition to Joseph, the Lions made several roster moves, including waiving wide receiver Maurice Alexander, activating Ifeatu Melifonwu from injured reserve, and signing wide receiver Tom Kennedy, linebacker Mitchell Agude, and defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad to the active roster.
