Brian Branch Undergoes Achilles Surgery, Eyes Return in 2026 as Lions Navigate Key Injuries
The Detroit Lions took a tough hit to their defense this week, as standout safety Brian Branch underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the procedure went well and said the expectation is that Branch will return at some point during the 2026 season.
“He’s had it repaired and sounds like everything went well,” Campbell said Wednesday in Allen Park. “They’re always going to give you the whatever, 8 to 12 months or whatever that is, from the time of surgery.
But the surgery went well. Everything went well.”
The injury occurred late in the Lions' Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys, as Branch attempted to break up a pass in the end zone. It was a non-contact moment - the kind that makes everyone hold their breath - and the diagnosis confirmed the worst: a torn Achilles in his right leg.
This is a significant blow for Detroit. Branch, a second-round pick out of Alabama in 2023, has been one of the most versatile and productive defenders on the roster since he stepped into the league. Whether lined up in the slot, at safety, or even near the box, Branch has consistently been a difference-maker.
In 2025, he ranked second on the team with nine pass breakups and was third in total tackles with 75. Add in 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, and you get a snapshot of just how much he impacts the game. He’s not just a playmaker - he’s a chess piece in Aaron Glenn’s defense, capable of shifting the tone of a drive with a single read or hit.
Before the injury, Branch was trending toward a long-term contract extension - a testament to both his on-field production and the high regard in which he’s held within the organization. That conversation will likely be put on pause until he’s back and healthy in 2026.
If you’re looking for a precedent, former Lions safety Tracy Walker tore his Achilles in Week 3 of the 2022 season and managed to return for all 17 games the following year. He was cleared to practice by June and was a full participant in training camp by late July. If Branch follows a similar timeline, there’s a chance he could be back on the practice field by next September - but as always with Achilles injuries, recovery timelines can vary.
Week 15 Injury Report: Decker, Anzalone Sit; Zylstra Nearing Return
Branch’s injury wasn’t the only health concern for Detroit heading into Week 15. Left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (illness) did not practice Wednesday. Both are key veterans, and their availability will be closely monitored as the Lions prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
There was some good news, though. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond returned to practice after missing two games with an ankle injury, giving the Lions a potential boost in the return game and slot rotation.
Also participating in the open portion of practice were safety Kerby Joseph (knee), offensive lineman Kayode Awosika (foot), wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), defensive back Thomas Harper (concussion), and tight end Shane Zylstra (ankle/knee).
Zylstra is an interesting name to watch. He returned to practice briefly last week from injured reserve but was listed as a non-participant in the final session before the game. Campbell said there were no setbacks and that Zylstra could be in the mix as soon as this Sunday.
“It was kind of how we had it planned,” Campbell said. “He was out there at walk-through (today), we’re going to have him out at practice today and we’d love to have him at the game barring no setback. We’ll see where he goes here.”
With the tight end room thinned by injuries, Zylstra’s return could be timely. He offers a reliable target in the short passing game and is a willing blocker - two traits that could help stabilize the offense as the Lions push toward the postseason.
Final Thoughts
Brian Branch’s injury is a gut punch for a Lions defense that’s been steadily improving all season. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the surgery went smoothly and the timeline - while long - is manageable. In the meantime, Detroit’s depth will be tested, and Dan Campbell’s squad will need to lean on its next-man-up mentality as it navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
The Lions have built a culture around resilience, and with a playoff spot within reach, the focus shifts to staying healthy, staying sharp, and continuing to build momentum - even without one of their most dynamic defenders on the field.