Brian

Branch

The worst was confirmed on Friday, just hours after earlier reports said that the Lions feared an Achilles injury for Branch. The third-year safety will now miss the remainder of the season as he looks to undergo surgery and rehab to be ready in time for the start of next season. Branch appeared in 12 games for the Lions this season, totaling 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and nine pass breakups. He will enter 2026 in the final year of his rookie contract.

Pelissero didn’t speculate on the severity of Branch’s Achilles injury, but said the star safety “will have further tests this morning.” We tend to know where things go from here, but we’ll let them play out and hope for the best. Branch was injured in the fourth quarter on a play that took place in the end zone and remained down for several minutes while being tended to by the training staff. He eventually made his way to the sideline with help and was later carted to the locker room. Branch has started all 12 games he’s appeared in this season for the Lions, totaling 75 tackles. 2.5 sacks, and nine pass breakups. Veteran Avonte Maddox is in line to replace Branch while for however long he is out.

Joseph hasn’t played since October 12. We appreciate how good Joseph is and understand that the Lions would rather have him out there if at all possible, but there’s literally an injured reserve for this sort of thing. Brian Branch (toe/ankle) got in a full session today to upgrade over a Monday limited, and Terrion Arnold (concussion) remained limited and may be trying to clear protocol tomorrow to make the active line.

The Lions’ difference-making defensive back will be on the field when his team takes on the Jameis Winston-led Giants. Lions CB Terrion Arnold (concussion) will not play. The unit is a decent bet to record one or more interceptions for D/ST purposes.

The Lions’ banged-up secondary does not need to lose another player. Branch’s return was needed. Hopefully, the impactful safety can resume practicing fully on Friday. The Lions face the Giants in Week 12. Lions CB Terrion Arnold (concussion) remains sidelined.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold remains on the sidelines while in the league’s concussion protocol. Per usual, the Lions are banged up on defense. Losing Branch in addition to Arnold, who looks unlikely to play this week, would be a big blow to the unit. Branch has five pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble this year.

Arnold’s return is a bit surprising. He got good news on his shoulder injury 10 days ago, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter saying he could return “sooner than expected,” but earlier that day it was thought Arnold could be out for the rest of the season. It seems as though he has a chance to suit up for the Lions’ Week 7 game against the Buccaneers on Monday night. Lions S Kerby Joseph (knee) and DB Avonte Maddox (hamstring) remain sidelined. Lions S Brian Branch is suspended for one game.

Lions CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and DB Avonte Maddox (hamstring) remain sidelined. Joseph has been playing through the knee injury as best he can, but misses snaps in-game from time to time. The Lions will be without S Brian Branch (suspension) against the Buccaneers on Monday night. The Buccaneers’ offense is also short-staffed, but QB Baker Mayfield will do what he can to exploit the Lions’ beleaguered unit.

Branch was given a one-game suspension by the NFL for starting an on-field fight between the Chiefs and Lions on Sunday night. Nelson, best known for his career as a wide receiver with the Packers, was jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA to hear Branch’s appeal. He upholds the suspension, keeping Branch out for Week 7.

It will be a one-game suspension without pay for Wilson, who can appeal the decision. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan wrote Branch’s actions on Sunday night, “Your’e aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players. Your conducted reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.” It’s a pretty justified response after Branch’s actions at the end of Sunday’s game against the Chiefs resulted in an on-field brawl. Assuming he doesn’t appeal the suspension Branch will likely be out for Week 7’s game against the Buccaneers.