What happened: Dan Campbell confirmed Monday Avonte Maddox will miss the rest of the 2026 season after a Thursday night foot injury requiring surgery. Maddox started the first two weeks with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on the physically unable to perform list. Detroit held a Monday workout for veteran safety help while also scouting young safeties on other rosters to compete.

Why it matters: Detroit opened with two rough defensive performances and now lists only Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper and Christian Izien as available safety options. Joseph and Branch are eligible to return to practice this week but need more time. The thin depth forces lineup moves and an outside addition to stabilize the secondary.

What to watch: Watch who Detroit signs from the veteran workout pool and whether Joseph or Branch progress toward practice. Campbell plans to move defenders around and expand roles for players who earned more snaps.