Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has encountered yet another hurdle in his quest to return to the field for Monday night’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie defensive back, who had been progressing well through concussion protocol, now faces a new challenge that could further delay his comeback.
Branch was forced to exit the Lions’ Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals after a helmet-to-helmet collision with tight end Trey McBride. The play, which occurred as both players lowered their heads before the hit, left Branch briefly motionless on the field. He was helped off and taken to the locker room, where he was evaluated for a concussion. Despite the severity of the incident, Branch’s recovery seemed to be going well, and it appeared he was on track to clear concussion protocol in time to play against Seattle.
However, over the weekend, Branch encountered an unexpected setback. According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, Branch is now listed as doubtful for Monday’s game, not because of lingering concussion symptoms, but due to an illness. The timing of this development is particularly concerning, as Risdon noted, “The team provided an update that indicates Branch is now doubtful for Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with an illness. That info breaking out on Sunday morning is not good at all; no player ever listed with a ‘doubtful’ status has ever played under head coach Dan Campbell.”
This update significantly dampens Branch’s chances of suiting up for the crucial matchup. Under Campbell’s leadership, players labeled as doubtful rarely end up playing, making it highly likely that Branch will sit out this game.
Lions Likely to Lose Both Starting Safeties
The Lions are already dealing with another major loss in their secondary. Over the weekend, the team placed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve due to a lingering ankle and Achilles injury sustained during training camp. Melifonwu had been rehabbing in hopes of making a return, but according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the team ultimately decided to shut him down for the time being.
“Melifonwu, in the final year of his rookie contract, had two interceptions and three sacks in six starts last season after missing 17 games his first two years with injuries,” Birkett wrote. His absence, coupled with Branch’s likely unavailability, leaves the Lions with a thin safety group heading into the game against Seattle.
To fill the void, Risdon reported that undrafted rookie Loren Strickland and second-year player Brandon Joseph are expected to step in at safety. Both players will face significant pressure to perform, especially with the Lions aiming to keep their momentum going after a solid start to the season.
Trey McBride #cardinals and Brian Branch #lions
Violent head collision. Both will be evaluated for concussions. Let’s hope they are okay
Branch’s Importance to the Defense
Branch has been a vital component of Detroit’s defense since the start of the season, making an impact after converting from cornerback to safety. He has started all three games this year, registering seven total tackles, including one for a loss, and recording an interception. His ability to adapt to the safety position has been notable, especially considering that he only began receiving significant reps at the position this offseason.
Back in July, Branch expressed his desire to have made the switch to safety sooner, stating, “Honestly, I wish they did put more reps at safety on me last year, just because I feel like I would be a lot further along than I am now,” via Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. His versatility and instinctive play have quickly made him a key player in the Lions’ defensive backfield.
Fines and Further Challenges for Branch
Despite progressing through concussion protocol, Branch’s difficult week continued with additional consequences stemming from his hit on McBride. As reported by John Maakaron of SI.com, Branch was fined by the NFL for the helmet-to-helmet collision that knocked him out of the Cardinals 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,” Maakaron wrote.
To make matters worse, Branch received an identical fine for a separate hit that occurred during a Cardinals field goal attempt. The combined penalties add to what has already been a challenging stretch for the rookie safety.
With Branch now doubtful due to illness, the Lions are bracing for a tough Monday night showdown against the Seahawks, potentially without one of their most promising young defenders.
