DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit, Mich., Lions safety Brian Branch returned to practice this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon last December, opening a 21-day window for the club to activate him or keep him on the physically unable to perform list for the season.
Branch, a 2024 Pro Bowler, was a limited participant Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Allen Park after spending the first four weeks of the regular season on injured reserve. Center Cade Mays also returned to practice as the Lions work through similar activation timelines.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said Thursday that Branch looked so sharp Wednesday that a debut this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals is realistic if trainers clear him. Coach Dan Campbell has said it will take time for Branch to knock off rust after nearly 10 months away.
Branch said he is ready to go and that the remaining hurdles are conditioning and physicality he can build over the next couple of weeks. The Lions have a bye after Sunday’s Cardinals game, then host the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 25 — a possible target date discussed around the practice return.
Detroit’s defense has allowed the most yards in the NFL through four games while playing without Branch and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph. Joseph remains sidelined with a knee injury while Branch expressed optimism both can share a field soon.
Little Caesars Arena and Ford Field anchor Detroit’s sports calendar as the Lions weigh how soon to put Branch back into game action.
