The Detroit Lions are getting a massive boost right when they need it, with Center Cade Mays and safety Brian Branch officially returning to the active roster this week, just in time to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. After their Week 6 bye, the Lions shook things up, practicing Tuesday and giving players Wednesday off, and it looks like that rest paid off with some key names coming back into the fold.
Big Names Back in Action
Coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that the plan is to activate both Mays and Branch to the 53-man roster this week. Now, while it’s still a question mark how much they’ll actually play against the Packers, Campbell gave us some serious hope. Branch is expected to “handle quite a bit” of the workload, even if he might not be ready for the entire game. But the real kicker? Mays is expected to start! Campbell laid it out on Wednesday, saying, “We really worked the heck out of Cade yesterday. He got some quality reps, and we would like to give him a go here.” That’s huge for the offensive line, especially against a tough division rival like Green Bay.
And get this: All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph also got some positive news this week. Campbell noted on Tuesday that he still expects Joseph to return to play this season. This was the first positive update we’ve heard from the coaches about Joseph’s status, and it was quickly backed up by some promising videos Joseph posted himself on his social media accounts. You love to see it!
The Long Road to Recovery for Others
While some key players are making their comeback, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows on the injury front. Running back Isiah Pacheco is still expected to be out until December with his MCL and back issues. Wide receiver Tom Kennedy is sadly done for the season, sidelined with an MCL injury. Then you’ve got offensive lineman Ben Bartch (foot) and linebacker Devin White (forearm) both on IR, and they’re not eligible to begin practicing until Week 10, meaning they’ll miss at least four more weeks.
There are a couple of guys inching closer, though. Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who’s been out with an undisclosed NFI issue, is eligible to start practicing at any time and was spotted working with trainers last week. Safety Thomas Harper (ankle, IR) is also eligible to begin his practice window once he’s healthy. It’s a mixed bag, no doubt, but getting those starting pieces back for this Week 7 showdown? That’s what really matters right now.
The Lions, sitting at 3-2, are about to host the 4-2 Packers in a massive division matchup. With Cade Mays expected to start and Brian Branch ready to jump back in, this team just got a jolt of energy. Can they take advantage of getting healthier and make a statement against Green Bay? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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