---
title: "Lions Face Unbeaten Vikings Blitz as Kerby Joseph Sits in Detroit"
url: https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/31/lions-vikings-preview-blitz-kerby-joseph-out/
date: 2026-10-31T05:38:15-04:00
modified: 2026-10-31T05:38:15-04:00
author: "Marlee Howell-Keeler"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Detroit"
attribution: "HERE Detroit"
---

# Lions Face Unbeaten Vikings Blitz as Kerby Joseph Sits in Detroit

> DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions get their biggest test of the season so far on Sunday afternoon, when the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings and their aggressive defense come in for a 1 p.m. kickoff with first place in the NFC North in view. Minnesota sends extra rushers on 68.4% of dropbacks, more than 26 points

*Source: [HERE Detroit](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/31/lions-vikings-preview-blitz-kerby-joseph-out/) — October 31, 2026 by Marlee Howell-Keeler*

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions get their biggest test of the season so far on Sunday afternoon, when the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings and their aggressive defense come in for a 1 p.m. kickoff with first place in the NFC North in view.

Minnesota sends extra rushers on 68.4% of dropbacks, more than 26 points higher than any other team, and leads the league in both pressure rate and sack rate. Linebacker Blake Cashman has 4.5 sacks. No quarterback has posted a passer rating above 90 against the Vikings this season.

Detroit counters with a passing game coming off a 119.7 rating against Green Bay and a line that has protected well all year.

The Lions will be without safety Kerby Joseph, who returned to practice this week for the first time since a knee condition ended his 2025 season. Coach Dan Campbell said Joseph has handled individual and group work and should join a full practice next week. Running back Isiah Pacheco, recovering from back surgery, could return in late December, Campbell said. With Pacheco out, Jahmyr Gibbs has handled 82.2% of the team’s carries.