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Branch recorded four tackles (one solo) and an interception during Sunday's 20-17 win over Green Bay. Branch was given the green light to play Sunday in what was his first game since he tore his Achilles in Week 14 of the 2025 season. He was on the field for 45 of the Lions' 67 defensive snaps (67.2 percent), and his return was highlighted by his interception off of Jordan Love early in the fourth quarter. Having Branch back in the fold significantly boosts the Lions' secondary, especially since the defense ranks dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (291.8). Detroit will stay home for Week 8 to host Minnesota in another NFC North tilt.
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The Lions activated Branch (Achilles) from injured reserve Saturday. Branch no longer holds any injury designation and appears all set to suit up for the Lions' game against the Packers on Sunday. The strong safety has finished recovering from the Achilles tear he sustained in early December of 2025, just in time for a divisional showdown that could be key in determining the final standings of the AFC North.
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Branch (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers. Branch was listed as a full practice participant on each of the Lions' three injury reports during Week 7 prep, and there's a chance that he's activated from the reserve/PUP list ahead of Sunday's NFC North tilt. He's nearing clearance to returning after spending the last 10 months rehabbing from a torn Achilles, and his presence would boost a Lions' defense that allows a league-worst 297.4 passing yards per game.
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The Lions listed Branch as a full participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report. The Lions did not practice for their first session following the Week 6 bye, but it's a promising sign to see Branch listed as a full participant. He's in the final stages of his recovery from a torn Achilles that he suffered in December of 2025, and he could be activated from the Lions' reserve/PUP list ahead of Sunday's NFC North tilt against the Packers.
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Branch (Achilles) had his 21-day practice window opened by the Lions on Sunday, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports. Branch was limited in Wednesday's practice, but it was an encouraging sign to see the fourth-year pro back on the field following a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles that he sustained in early December of 2025. The Lions' secondary has been one of the worst in the league this season, and while Branch's return would be a significant upgrade to the unit, he'll likely need to log multiple full practices before being activated from the reserve/PUP list. While unlikely, Branch's first opportunity to make his 2026 debut is Sunday against the Cardinals.