Concerns Raised Over Lions' Star Defender Days After Dan Campbell Update
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) speaks to media members during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 28, 2025. Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) speaks to media members during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 28, 2025. Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions are still waiting for one of their most important defensive players to return.
According to a report by The Athletic, concerns have grown around Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch.
“Branch no longer has a timetable for his return. Earlier reports had already indicated he would not be ready for the start of the regular season,” wrote Jobe Morrison of The Big Lead. “Now, concerns are growing that his availability for the 2026 campaign could be in jeopardy.”
This update from the Big Lead comes days after head coach Dan Campbell refused to provide any timeline for his recovery. Branch couldn’t continue his 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) after practice during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) after practice during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
"I don't know. I mean, I guess there is always a chance," Campbell told reporters. "I'm going to just go ahead and widen the window, so we don't have to talk about it anymore. Let's just go ahead and say December. And then anything before that is a bonus."
Branch suffered an injury against the Dallas Cowboys in December. Then he spent the offseason working his way back. There have been positive signs during his recovery, but Campbell's recent comments suggested the Lions are preparing for a longer wait.
Branch was one of Detroit's best defensive players before the injury. The former 2023 second-round pick earned Pro Bowl recognition and continued to establish himself as one of the league's most versatile defensive backs.
A lengthy recovery would be a significant concern for a Lions defense looking to bounce back after an injury-hit 2025 campaign.
Who Can Replace Branch in the Upcoming Season?
With Detroit Lions star defensive back recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered late last season, head coach Dan Campbell has indicated the recovery timeline has been extended. Branch could begin the 2026 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Compounding the issue, starting safety Kerby Joseph is managing a degenerative knee condition. The Lions are turning to a mix of veteran depth and versatile pieces to replace Branch’s production in the secondary.
Key contributors include Avonte Maddox, a versatile veteran who re-signed on a one-year deal on April 6, 2026. He can play safety and nickel corner, providing valuable experience. Chuck Clark, signed in free agency, brings a physical, durable box-safety presence. Christian Izien is also another free-agent addition to the Lions.
The Lions’ plan relies on this reshuffled rotation to maintain defensive strength until Branch returns.
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Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi