Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch’s tough week just got even worse
Branch was forced out of the team’s Week 3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals following a helmet-to-helmet collision with tight end Trey McBride, which sent him into concussion protocol with a neck injury.
On Saturday, Branch learned he would also be fined for the hit, as well as for another incident earlier in the game.
“He entered concussion protocol Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. For the hit, he was fined $10,128 by the league for unnecessary roughness/use of helmet,” reported John Maakaron of SI.com.
Branch received an additional $10,128 fine for a separate hit earlier in the game during a field goal attempt, as noted by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
“The NFL also fined Branch $10,128 for unnecessary roughness for striking/kicking/kneeing an opponent, identified as Tip Reiman, during kicker Matt Prater’s 42-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half,” Williams wrote.
Expensive Win for the Lions
The NFL fined #Lions S Brian Branch $10,128 for unnecessary roughness/use of helmet last week on the play that put Branch and #Cardinals TE Trey McBride in concussion protocol.
Branch was fined another $10,128 for a separate incident in the game.
Despite the Lions securing a 20-13 win over the Cardinals, the victory came at a significant cost to several players. According to Maakaron, Lions safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin were also fined by the NFL. Joseph’s fine was for a hit on a defenseless receiver, while Reeves-Maybin was penalized for a late hit.
The Lions also suffered key injuries during the game. Center Frank Ragnow sustained a partially torn pectoral but managed to play every snap. However, Ragnow was ruled out of the team’s upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism that Ragnow could avoid being placed on injured reserve.
“I don’t feel that way, I really don’t,” Campbell said, via SI.com. “Frank heals up really quickly, normally. He’s already starting to feel a lot better, so I don’t think it’s going that way, but it’s still early.”
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was also hurt in the win but is expected to play against the Seahawks.
Brian Branch Makes Important Progress
Branch has shown positive signs of recovery this week after being placed in concussion protocol. CBS Sports reported that he was able to participate in full practice on Friday, signaling that he is close to being cleared.
“Branch continues to progress through concussion protocols, and after logging a full practice Friday, he’s on the cusp of being cleared,” the report stated. “The Lions will host the Seahawks on Monday Night Football, and Branch appears on track to play.”
Branch’s hit was particularly alarming as both he and McBride remained motionless on the field for a time. Branch was eventually assisted off the field and taken to the locker room.
Branch has been a starter in all three games for the Lions this season, recording seven total tackles, including one for a loss, and one interception.
Lions DB Faces Consequences for Hard-Hitting Play
While Branch’s aggressive style of play has helped establish him as a valuable starter in the Lions’ defense, it has also put him in the crosshairs of the NFL’s disciplinary measures. The double fines serve as a costly reminder of the league’s strict rules around player safety, especially concerning helmet-to-helmet hits and unnecessary roughness. As Branch continues to progress through concussion protocol, he and the Lions will hope for a swift recovery and a return to form on the field.
