It sounds as though Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (leg) will be out until training camp, at the very least. Head coach Dan Campbell said that Branch had a clean-up surgery for an injury they thought would heal on its own, but the Lions decided they'd rather just get it done and let Branch heal before the season. He was spotted riding a scooter around the facility during organized team activities last week. The 22-year-old cornerback is progressing well despite the fact that he wasn't available to take part in OTAs this spring. In his rookie campaign in 2023 for the Lions, Branch looked pretty good, recording 74 tackles (50 solo), one sack, three interceptions, 13 passes defended and a forced fumble that resulted in a touchdown.
Brian Branch Questionable To Return With Ankle Injury
Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) is questionable to return to the Thursday night game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury he suffered in the third quarter. Branch walked off the field very gingerly and had to be carted to the locker room, so it looked like his night was done. However, he came back out shortly afterwards and was seen having his ankle taped on the sideline. With the Lions up big in the second half, it seems unlikely that the talented 21-year-old will return to the contest. If he doesn't make it back, Brandon Joseph will see more playing time the rest of the way against the Packers. Branch could be questionable to play in Week 5 at home against the Carolina Panthers, although he'll have extra time to heal up before that game.
Detroit Lions' safety Brian Branch shined in his first start, as the Lions beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-6. Branch made 11 solo tackles, including three tackles for loss, and he broke up two passes. The second-round rookie has flashed in a limited role in his first two games before starting in Week 3. He returned his first career interception for a touchdown in Week 1. He started against the Falcons following an injury to C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral). Gardner-Johnson will miss multiple weeks, so Branch will remain the starter for a while and could earn the starting job going forward.
The Detroit Lions signed second-round safety Brian Branch to his four-year rookie deal on Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed. With the signing, the Lions now have their entire rookie draft class in 2023 under contract. Branch spent the last three seasons at Alabama and was named a second-team All-American after last season. He recorded 90 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and seven passes defensed in 13 starts for the Crimson Tide. The 21-year-old defensive back plays with a lot of tenacity on the football field, which helps make up for his light frame at just 190 pounds. He could see plenty of playing time early on in his rookie season if Tracy Walker (Achilles) isn't ready to go.
