Branch recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo), including one tackle for loss, and defended one pass in Sunday's 34-17 win over the Bears. The second-year pro from Alabama returned to his usual starting spot of slot corner for the first time this season with Ifeatu Melifonwu making his 2024 debut and returning from injured reserve in Week 16. Branch has now logged back-to-back games of 12 or more tackles, accumulating 26 stops and two passes defended during that span. He's responsible for five turnovers (four interceptions and one forced fumble) this season and is expected to continue making plays in the Week 17 matchup against the 49ers.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Brian Branch news
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
10/22/2001 (23)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'0", 203 lbs
Draft Info
2023: Rd 2; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Fayetteville, GA, USA
Position
DB
College
Alabama
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Detroit Lions
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
Branch recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo), including one tackle for loss, and defended one pass in Sunday's 34-17 win over the Bears. The second-year pro from Alabama returned to his usual starting spot of slot corner for the first time this season with Ifeatu Melifonwu making his 2024 debut and returning from injured reserve in Week 16. Branch has now logged back-to-back games of 12 or more tackles, accumulating 26 stops and two passes defended during that span. He's responsible for five turnovers (four interceptions and one forced fumble) this season and is expected to continue making plays in the Week 17 matchup against the 49ers.
Branch recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 34-17 win over the Bears. Branch was able to reach at least 10 tackles for the second week in a row and third time overall on the season. The defensive back has split his time between slot cornerback and safety in 2024, compiling 96 total tackles (72 solo), a forced fumble and 14 passes defensed, including four interceptions, over 14 games.
Branch (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears. Branch opened the week as a DNP on Wednesday due to a calf injury he likely picked up during the Lions' Week 15 loss to the Bills. He was able to log consecutive limited practices to end the week and has progressed enough in his recovery to play in Sunday's NFC North showdown. Branch has played every single defensive snap in three of the Lions' last five games, and over that span he has registered 34 tackles (24 solo) and one pass defense.
Branch (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports. Branch opened the Lions' week of practice with a DNP, but he's logged two consecutive limited sessions since, so it appears he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. The second-year pro from Alabama has impressed this season, recording 84 total tackles and 14 passes defended, including four interceptions, over 13 appearances. If Branch can play through his calf injury in Week 16, he'll start alongside Kerby Joseph as part of Detroit's top safety duo.
Branch (calf) was a limited participant in practice Thursday. Branch didn't practice Wednesday, but he was able to participate in a limited fashion Thursday. That bodes well for his chance of suiting up Sunday versus Chicago, though the second-year safety could still head into the weekend with an injury designation, especially if he doesn't log a full practice Friday. Branch is coming off a big game Week 15 against Buffalo, as he logged a career-high 14 tackles in a six-point loss.
Branch (calf) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's practice report. Branch logged a career-high 15 total tackles and played in every defensive snap during the Lions' 48-42 loss to the Bills this past Sunday. However, it appears the second-year safety picked up a calf injury in the process and was sidelined for Detroit's first official practice of the week. Branch will have two more chances to practice this week ahead of Sunday's NFC North clash against the Bears. He's logged 85 tackles (62 solo), 14 pass defenses (including four interceptions) and one forced fumble across 13 regular-season games.
Branch recorded 15 total tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's 48-42 loss to Buffalo. Branch paced the team in takedowns, compiling a career-high 15 stops in the battle between two high-octane offenses. With Detroit's defense banged up, including the secondary, Branch found himself involved in countless plays Sunday. It's the second time this year that the safety reached double-digit tackles and he's now registered 85 total tackles (62 solo), 13 passes defensed, including four interceptions, and a forced fumble over 13 games in 2024.
Branch (cramps) does not appear on Detroit's injury report Wednesday. Branch left the Lions' Week 14 game against the Packers last Thursday early, but it appears he was dealing only with cramps. Since he's not on Detroit's injury report to begin the week, the second-year safety should have no problem suiting up Sunday versus Buffalo. Branch has put up excellent numbers this season, registering 70 tackles (54 solo) and 13 pass defenses, including four interceptions, through 12 contests.
Branch is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Packers due to cramping. Branch went down late in the fourth quarter and was able to limp off the field. Even if he can't return to Thursday's contest, he's avoided a serious injury.