The Lions activated Branch (lower leg) off the active/PUP list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Branch had a clean-up surgery on his lower leg earlier in the offseason, but he's now passed his physical and is ready to return to the field. The 2023 second-round pick out of Alabama had a great rookie campaign while posting 74 total tackles and 13 passes defended, including three interceptions, and he's expected to remain one of Detroit's top defensive backs in 2024.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Brian Branch news
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
10/22/2001 (22)
Status
Physically unable to perform
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
(1 season)
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The Lions activated Branch (lower leg) off the active/PUP list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Branch had a clean-up surgery on his lower leg earlier in the offseason, but he's now passed his physical and is ready to return to the field. The 2023 second-round pick out of Alabama had a great rookie campaign while posting 74 total tackles and 13 passes defended, including three interceptions, and he's expected to remain one of Detroit's top defensive backs in 2024.
Detroit placed Branch (lower leg) on its active/PUP list Sunday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. Branch underwent an optional procedure during the offseason to clean up some damage to his ankle, and he's apparently still recovering from that as training camp gets underway. Coach Dan Campbell said in the spring that Branch would be ready to go in plenty of time for Week 1, but time is starting to run short on that.
Branch recently underwent a cleanup procedure on his lower left leg and will likely be sidelined until training camp, Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reports. The Lions initially thought Branch's lower left leg injury would heal on its own, but he elected to undergo a procedure so he could rehab ahead of the regular season. However, coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Branch is progressing well and will likely be able to do some work before the regular season begins, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Branch was recently seen on a knee scooter around the team's facility. The 22-year-old was solid as a rookie last year, tallying 74 tackles (50 solo), including a sack, along with 13 pass defenses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a touchdown.
Branch registered 74 tackles, one sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, one defensive touchdown and one forced fumble over 15 games in 2023. Impressing at both safety and nickelback as a rookie, Branch ultimately settled in at the latter position despite the Lions spending $6.5 million to bring in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was moved to safety to accommodate. Branch ultimately finished the year tied for 12th among cornerbacks in both PBUs and picks. While it remains possible that the Alabama product could see added responsibilities at safety again in the future, he at least seems to be locked in at the nickelback spot entering 2024.