I think it is a fair concern.
My brother is unfit after about 5 years of inactivity and is starting to run to train for an obstacle course race. He used to play sports so in his mind he believes he can do more than in fact his body will allow. He hasn't left much time to train. I'm a little concerned. Carrying extra weight and having been on his backside for so long, I reckon there's a risk of a joint injury if he goes pounding the pavement. Even if he survives training, the race itself poses a serious threat.
I can't remember where I saw it suggested, but I've heard as a recommendation that one should have some basic level of strength before running. To put some fairly arbitrary numbers on it, I reckon being able to do, say, 15 push ups, 30 bw squats, and a 1 minute plank would dramatically reduce my brother's chances of injury. But I'm no coach or trainer or doctor.
After gaining some basic strength, walking and then gradually running would make the process safer. And learning to run properly, whatever that means.
EDIT: in other words, for a detrained individual, get strong(er) first.