Detroit Lions safety encountered another obstacle in his efforts to return for Monday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
He was forced out of the team’s Week 3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals after a helmet-to-helmet collision with tight end Trey McBride. Initially placed in concussion protocol, he appeared to be progressing towards being cleared in time for the September 30 game.
However, a new setback occurred over the weekend. According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, this development will likely sideline Him for the game.
“The team shared an update indicating that Branch is now doubtful for Monday night’s game against the Seahawks due to an illness,” Risdon reported. “This news, breaking on Sunday morning, is concerning, as no player listed as ‘doubtful’ under head coach Dan Campbell has ever played.”
Lions Likely Losing Both Top Safeties
The Lions faced a significant blow to their secondary when Ifeatu Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. He had sustained an ankle/Achilles injury during training camp and had been rehabbing with hopes of returning to a rotational role, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
“Melifonwu, in the final year of his rookie contract, recorded two interceptions and three sacks in six starts last season after missing 17 games in his first two years due to injuries,” Birkett reported.
Risdon mentioned that undrafted rookie Loren Strickland and second-year player Brandon Joseph are expected to step in at safety while Branch is out.
Branch has been a key contributor this season, switching from cornerback to safety and starting all three games. He has recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, and also intercepted a pass.
Branch, who played some safety last season, expressed in the offseason that he wished the team had transitioned him to safety earlier.
“Honestly, I wish they had given me more reps at safety last year, because I feel like I would be further along now,” Branch told Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News in July.
Challenging Week for Brian Branch
Branch initially seemed fortunate to avoid a serious injury in last week’s game after a collision with McBride. Both players lowered their helmets before the hit, resulting in a strong impact that left the Lions safety lying motionless on the field for a few moments.
Trey McBride #cardinals and Brian Branch #lions
Violent head collision. Both will be evaluated for concussions. Let’s hope they are okay pic.twitter.com/3TG0sxc3dV
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) September 22, 2024
He was eventually assisted off the field and taken to the locker room, where he underwent evaluation for a possible concussion.
Although Branch passed concussion protocol, he faced additional consequences on Saturday. According to John Maakaron of SI.com, the NFL fined Branch for the hit on McBride.
“He entered concussion protocol Sunday following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. The league fined him $10,128 for unnecessary roughness/use of the helmet,” Maakaron reported.
Branch received the same fine for a separate hit that occurred during a Cardinals field goal attempt.
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