Breakdown of rookie Dan Jackson's injury history with rundown of Lions safeties health
Breakdown of rookie Dan Jackson's injury history with rundown of Lions safeties health Breaking down the injury history of Lions seventh-round safety Dan Jackson and how Detroit's current safety room looks health-wise
Safety was a moderate need for the Lions entering the draft due to an absence of proven depth behind elite starters Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The Lions did not address this position in the draft until Dan Jackson from Georgia was taken in the 7th-round. Typically, late-rounders don't make much of an impact in their rookie year, but the dearth of depth creates an opportunity for Jackson to become an exception.
For a 7th-round pick, "There is no certainty, only opportunity" - V for Vendetta.
Here is Jackson's medical history along with a review of the rest of the safety crew heading into the 2025 season.
(Age at start of 2025 season) Credit sports-reference.com for games played data.
Dan Jackson (24) - signed through 2028
2024 Played all 14 games.
Played all 14 games. 2023 Knee "burst bursa" caused 3 missed games. Played 11 of 14 games.
Knee "burst bursa" caused 3 missed games. Played 11 of 14 games. 2022 Foot stress fracture surgery ended his season after 7 games.
Foot stress fracture surgery ended his season after 7 games. 2021 Played all 15 games.
Regarding the bursa, the knee has multiple bursas (fluid-filled sacs) with the prepatellar bursa being the most commonly injured. As seen last year with Maxx Crosby, sometimes a bursa can become infected and turn into a serious situation. Fortunately, Jackson's wasn't as serious.
Regarding the foot fracture, Jackson described it as a "bone that didn't get much blood supply". This raises suspicion for a Jones fracture which is notorious for having a poor blood supply. It's a great sign that he has two years of proof of recovery since the surgery, but there is still some risk of refracture going forward.
Kerby Joseph (24) - signed through 2029
Just two weeks ago, Joseph signed a 4-year, $86 million extension becoming the highest paid safety in NFL history. It's a remarkable turnaround from last offseason when he had unspecified hip surgery.
The hip is something to monitor long-term but the early returns - zero missed games, nine interceptions, 1st-team All-Pro - are astounding.
Brian Branch (23) - signed through 2026
Like Joseph, Branch had surgery last offseason on his left foot or ankle. Also like Joseph, Branch had a remarkable season, missing only one game (concussion/illness) while finishing with four interceptions and a Pro-Bowl nod.
Despite missing just that one game, Branch appeared to be hampered by minor right leg issues at multiple points late last season. I don't suspect anything too worrisome, but it's something to watch in the coming season.
Morice Norris (24) - signed through 2025
Despite not playing in the first 15 games of the season, Norris was the next man up after Ifeatu Melifonwu strained his hamstring in the playoff game. The fact that an inexperienced, undrafted rookie was getting critical playing time (22 defensive snaps) in a playoff game tells you all you need to know about the Lions safety depth.
Loren Strickland (25) - signed through 2025
Last year, this undrafted rookie had a thumb injury causing him to miss week one. He then played in seven games sporadically throughout the year. His last appearance was in week 15 when he was supplanted by Norris.
OUTLOOK
Jackson has some mild medical concerns in his past but should enter the 2025 season healthy and ready to seize the opportunity to win the backup safety role. With all members of the safety group healthy and young, the Lions will be very strong at the position if quality backups can be developed. Besides the two starters, Jackson is the only one signed beyond 2025 which means it would be ideal if he can become the #3 safety.
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