The Detroit Lions’ secondary has taken another major hit - and this one stings.
Safety Brian Branch is officially done for the season after suffering a torn Achilles in Thursday night’s win over the Cowboys, according to reports. It’s a brutal blow for the third-year standout, who had become a key piece of the Lions’ defense with his versatility, toughness, and playmaking ability.
Branch had been putting together a strong campaign, racking up 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery across 12 games. Whether he was flying downhill in run support or dropping back into coverage, Branch brought a physical edge and high football IQ to Detroit’s secondary - the kind of presence that doesn't just show up on the stat sheet, but on film every week.
This marks the second straight week the Lions have lost a starting defensive back to a season-ending injury. Just last game, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold went down with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for the rest of the year. And safety Kerby Joseph has been out since Week 6, further thinning the depth in the back end.
It’s a tough stretch for a Lions defense that’s been steadily improving and helping carry the team through a playoff push. With Branch out, the Lions are now leaning on a patchwork group to hold things together.
Thomas Harper started alongside Branch against Dallas, but he exited in the first quarter. That leaves Daniel Thomas and Avonte Maddox as the next men up at safety.
This is where depth gets tested. This is where coaching matters. And this is where a team with postseason aspirations has to find a way to adapt - fast.
The Lions have built a culture around resilience and next-man-up mentality, but there’s no sugarcoating it: losing Branch is a significant setback. He’s not just a starter - he’s a tone-setter. And with the playoffs looming, Detroit’s secondary will need to find answers quickly to stay on course.