Brian Branch Fantasy Stats

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (Achilles) appears to be making progress in his recovery, even though a return isn't imminent. Head coach Dan Campbell fielded questions about his injured safeties Tuesday, saying that Branch is closer to returning than Kerby Joseph (knee). That doesn't necessarily narrow down the timeline, but it's worth noting that Branch is eligible to be activated from the PUP list as early as October 5th. Thomas Harper and offseason addition Chuck Clark have filled in at safety in the meantime. The Lions would welcome a Branch return with open arms, as the former first-round pick made the Pro Bowl in 2024 before registering 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and five tackles for loss in 2025.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Thursday's 44-30 home win against the Dallas Cowboys. It's an enormous blow to the defense, as the third-year pro had led all Lions' safeties in snaps by a wide margin, and ranks third on the team with 75 tackles (48 solo). Teammate Daniel Thomas entered the game in Branch's stead, as Detroit also lost Thomas Harper (concussion) in the outing, and the former figures to continue working in his absence for the remainder of the campaign until Kerby Joseph (knee) returns from an injury of his own. Thomas has played a total of 17 defensive snaps in two appearances this season.

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) was injured late in the second half of Thursday night's 44-30 win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys and was listed as questionable to return, according to the team. Branch was carted to the locker room. Before leaving, the 24-year-old safety had six tackles (three solo) and a fumble recovery. It's unclear what the severity of Branch's ankle injury is, but the good news is that Detroit will have extra time before their Week 15 contest on Sunday, Dec. 14, against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions' defense stepped up in Thursday night's win over Dallas against a top offense, especially with a secondary that is banged up -- Kerby Joseph (knee) was out, and Thomas Harper (concussion) was injured in the game. If Branch isn't ready by next weekend, the Lions could have serious problems against another top offense in the Rams.

The NFL suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for one game without pay on Monday for his altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following Sunday night's game, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Branch is appealing the suspension. If the league upholds the suspension, Branch will be unavailable to play in the team's Week 7 matchup on Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions' secondary can ill-afford to lose the 23-year-old for a game, although the good news is that the Lions will be facing a banged-up Buccaneers team next week that could be missing all three of their top receivers -- Mike Evans (hamstring), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and Chris Godwin (leg) -- due to injuries. Branch was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 and remains a big part of Detroit's secondary, logging a sack, 33 total tackles, and a forced fumble through six games in 2025.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, guard Graham Glasgow (knee) is inactive. Both players had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice on Friday. Branch has appeared in 13 games this season, making a big impact with his 84 tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. Glasgow's absence is huge news for Detroit as he had not previously missed a single snap this season. He'll likely be replaced by Kayode Awosika at the left guard position.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (illness) is listed as doubtful for the Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Branch was on the injury report earlier this week with a concussion after taking a shot to the helmet in Week 3. However, he was removed on Saturday, but Branch was added again now due to an illness. The loss of Branch would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. He has 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception through three games. Loren Strickland would be the next man up, assuming Branch is unable to play.

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.

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.