Just 24 hours ago, safety Brandon Joseph was preparing to face the Chicago Bears with the Detroit Lions. However, an early morning arrest on Saturday has not only sidelined him for the game but also ended his stint with the team entirely.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup, the Lions made several roster changes, including waiving both Joseph and wide receiver Maurice Alexander. Defensive lineman David Bada was also waived from reserve/injured with a settlement. Replacing Joseph on the active roster is safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was activated from the reserve/injured list.
Joseph’s arrest occurred around 2 a.m. Saturday, when Dearborn Heights police pulled him over for speeding. He was taken into custody under suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OUI) and later released after a few hours. According to Paul Vanderplow, director of the Dearborn Heights Police Department, Joseph was cooperative during the process.
“He was very compliant, he was very respectful,” Vanderplow stated. “He went through the battery of tests, and now we have analysis to complete before charges are determined, just like in any other OUI case. He’ll go through the court process like anyone else.”
The Lions also promoted linebacker Mitchell Agude, wide receiver Tom Kennedy, and defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad to the active roster.
Even before his arrest, Joseph’s position on the team was likely at risk with the return of Melifonwu from injury. However, his legal troubles won’t do him any favors in securing a spot with another NFL team in the near future.
Joseph, a former Notre Dame standout and 2020 All-American at Northwestern, joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Over two seasons, he appeared in 16 games, recording 13 tackles.
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