Abstract: An apparatus and method for jointly equalizing a return to zero (RZ) signal and detecting timing errors in the RZ signal, using values or indices from equalizer taps, including a set reference tap that does not shift. A timing error detector detects a timing error based on a group delay measured from the equalizer tap information, and then adjustment circuitry modifies samples of the received RZ signal prior to their equalization to offset that timing error. Methods of modifying the samples to offset the timing error include adjusting the timing of the sampler, or adjusting the sampled data using intermediate, interpolated samples generated by a timing interpolation filter.